DENVER, Colo. — A 56-year-old Denver man has been arrested after allegedly driving a BMW into three pedestrians in a downtown crosswalk while heavily intoxicated, leaving one woman critically injured after she was dragged underneath the vehicle for nearly a block.
Cesario Serrato was arrested on June 14, 2026, following the violent early-morning crash in Denver’s LoDo district.
According to Denver police probable cause statements, Serrato was allegedly driving with a revoked license when he exited a parking lot, crossed multiple lanes of traffic and turned onto 20th Street, where his BMW struck three pedestrians who were in a marked crosswalk.
The collision happened at approximately 2:30 a.m. near 20th and Larimer streets, as crowds were leaving nearby bars.
The incident has raised serious questions about impaired driving, repeat offenses and why Serrato was behind the wheel despite his revoked license and an active criminal case in which he was reportedly released on a $0 personal recognizance bond.
Three pedestrians struck in downtown Denver
Police said Serrato exited the parking lot at approximately 2000 Larimer Street before cutting across two lanes of traffic.
He then reportedly made a right turn onto 20th Street.
As he entered the intersection, the BMW struck three pedestrians who were crossing the street.
Two victims were reportedly thrown into the air by the force of the impact.
A third victim became trapped underneath the vehicle.
Witnesses immediately began shouting that a woman was underneath the BMW and needed help.
According to police, officers also ordered Serrato to stop.
Instead, investigators allege that Serrato accelerated.
Woman allegedly dragged underneath BMW
The most serious injuries were suffered by the woman who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
According to the probable cause account, Serrato allegedly continued driving despite warnings that someone was underneath his car.
The woman was dragged for nearly a block, leaving a trail of blood behind the BMW before the vehicle became stopped in traffic.
Nearby Denver police officers and bystanders then worked together to rescue her.
Witnesses and officers reportedly had to physically lift the vehicle enough to free the woman from underneath the passenger side.
She was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Her current condition was not provided in the information available for this report.
Police describe Serrato as extremely intoxicated
When officers contacted Serrato following the crash, they reportedly observed multiple signs of severe intoxication.
According to police, he had bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol.
Officers also reportedly found that Serrato struggled to understand basic instructions.
Because he required medical clearance, Serrato was transported to a hospital before being booked into the Downtown Detention Center.
Authorities subsequently determined that he had been driving with a revoked license.
Cesario Serrato charged with vehicular assault
Serrato was charged with vehicular assault under Colorado offense code 18-3-205.
The allegations against him stem from the collision that injured the three pedestrians.
The investigation remains subject to the legal process, and the allegations contained in police documents have not been proven in court.
Serrato is presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted.
Serrato allegedly had revoked driver’s license
The crash has drawn additional scrutiny because police say Serrato was driving despite having a revoked license.
A records check reportedly showed that his driving privileges had been revoked before the June 14 crash.
That revelation has become a significant part of the case as investigators and prosecutors examine Serrato’s driving history and prior criminal cases.
Driver was reportedly out on $0 bond
Court records cited in the case reportedly show that Serrato was already involved in other legal proceedings when the Denver crash occurred.
He had allegedly been released on a $0 personal recognizance bond stemming from a separate February 15, 2026 incident.
Records reportedly show that he also had multiple open cases in Denver County Court at the time of the pedestrian crash.
The circumstances of those cases and Serrato’s release conditions could become relevant as prosecutors evaluate the latest allegations.
Previous DUI conviction adds to scrutiny
Serrato also has a previous impaired-driving case in his criminal history.
According to court records, he was arrested for DUI in Aurora in January 2021 and later pleaded guilty to driving while ability impaired (DWAI).
His reported criminal history also includes other cases involving allegations of fraud and weapons offenses.
The latest crash has therefore raised concerns about repeat offending and whether previous encounters with the criminal justice system were sufficient to prevent another potentially deadly driving incident.
Family warns about fraudulent GoFundMe
While the injured woman remains hospitalized, her family is also warning members of the public about a separate problem that emerged following the crash.
A fraudulent GoFundMe campaign has reportedly begun circulating online in the victim’s name.
The family says it is not affiliated with the fundraiser and has warned people not to send money through the unauthorized campaign.
Relatives say they plan to announce an official and verified fundraising campaign through legitimate channels.
Anyone considering donating should verify that the fundraiser has been confirmed by the victim’s family before contributing.
Police continue seeking information
Investigators are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the crash, including what happened immediately before and after the BMW entered the crosswalk.
Authorities are also asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact the Denver Police Department.
The investigation will help establish the full sequence of events, including Serrato’s actions before the collision and the circumstances surrounding the woman’s injuries.
For now, the case stands as a stark reminder of the potentially devastating consequences of impaired driving.
Three pedestrians were struck in a downtown Denver crosswalk, one woman suffered critical injuries after allegedly being dragged beneath the vehicle, and police say the driver was operating with a revoked license and signs of extreme intoxication.
Serrato remains subject to the criminal justice process as the investigation and prosecution move forward.
