A notorious repeat offender, described by law enforcement as having possibly one of the most extensive criminal records they’ve encountered, finds himself incarcerated once again. This follows a thrilling high-speed pursuit in Aurora late Monday night, during which a sightless passenger pleaded to be released from the stolen vehicle.
Aurora police remarked on social media about the arrestee’s lengthy criminal history, suggesting it might be the most extensive they’ve ever seen.
The drama began around 3 a.m., as most of the city slept, when Flock camera technology alerted authorities to a stolen car in the vicinity of Scranton Street, just south of Smith Road.
Officers rapidly located the vehicle and attempted a standard traffic stop, but the driver ignored commands to halt, instead opting for a reckless escape through the city streets.
Larry Barnes, aged 55, was taken into custody following the pursuit involving the stolen car and is now facing several charges.
In police footage, the tension is palpable as an officer communicates over the radio, “The car is taking off — stolen vehicle pursuit, pursuit, pursuit … we’re going to be going westbound … speeds are 61,” capturing the swift escalation of the chase.
“Sigh. Another runner. No worries, we got you,” the department said in the post.
Officers detain the suspect after he attempted to run following a police pursuit in Aurora. (X/@AuroraPD)
Officers tracked the vehicle using city traffic cameras as the pursuit moved toward Quebec Street and Exposition Avenue, where they executed a PIT maneuver to bring the chase to an end.
Aurora police stop a stolen vehicle during an overnight pursuit Monday after the driver fled a traffic stop. (X/@AuroraPD)
The suspect then attempted to run, but officers quickly closed the distance. Video shows the tense takedown as an officer commands, “Get on the ground, let me see your hands, put your hands behind your back,” before the suspect is taken into custody.
Inside the vehicle, officers made a troubling discovery. A blind female passenger told police she had repeatedly begged the driver to pull over during the chase, raising serious concerns that she was being held against her will. Investigators say that account led to a kidnapping charge.
The driver was identified as 55-year-old Aurora resident Larry Barnes, whom police describe as a prolific car thief with a lengthy and troubling history of arrests, including numerous drug distribution cases, assault on a peace officer, burglary and other offenses.
A search of the stolen vehicle uncovered more than 30 grams of methamphetamine and crack cocaine, further compounding the charges.
Barnes was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, motor vehicle theft, possession with intent to distribute, driving under the influence and felony eluding. Police also confirmed he had an outstanding warrant at the time of his arrest.
Aurora police credited proactive patrol work and real-time technology with getting Barnes off the streets before the situation could escalate further.
“Safer Aurora streets, no matter the hour. That’s how we do,” the department said.
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