Funds needed to support Commerce City officer seriously injured in DUI crash

DENVER (KDVR) — A Commerce City police officer and father of two is still recovering from the traumatic injuries he suffered. incurred for an alleged DUI accident on December 31, and several groups are stepping up their efforts to ensure you get the support you need.

Commerce City Patrol Officer Aaron Cortez was investigating a crash on Interstate 270 west of Vasquez Boulevard shortly after midnight on Dec. 31, when a suspected drunk driver crashed into the rear of the patrol car. of Cortez. Cortez had only been with the agency for two years before the accident.

Cortez survived but was taken to a local hospital with a severe concussion, as well as injuries to his hip, back and neck. According to the MC1 Foundation, Cortez spent several days in the hospital and was then transferred to a rehabilitation center to continue healing.

“We, as a department and our local Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 19, are doing everything we can to support you physically, financially and emotionally, but we could use a little extra help,” the Commerce City Police Department said in a Facebook post. “He and his wife Delaney are raising two young children and have unforeseen expenses not covered by insurance or workers’ compensation.”

That’s why he The MC1 Foundation participates. The organization was started in honor of Sgt. Dave Baldwin of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, who was killed in the line of duty in 2014 when he was struck by a wrong-way driver while riding his motorcycle. The foundation also started a fundraiser to help Golden police officer Bethany Grusing after being seriously injured in an accident that killed fellow Golden police officer Evan Dunn on November 6, 2024.

The driver who hit Cortez on Dec. 31 was facing vehicular assault charges and it is unclear if the suspect was injured in the crash. The accident was investigated by the Colorado State Patrol. Anyone can send donations to the MC1 Foundation for the Cortez family here.