Two arrested in fatal Colorado Springs crash linked to street racing: CSPD

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) has announced the arrests of two suspects after a 77-year-old woman died of her injuries after her car was hit by another vehicle that was apparently involved in a race. The crash happened on Sunday, March 22, on Briargate Boulevard near Lexington Drive. Officers responded to the scene shortly before 8:15 p.m. that night on reports of a head-on crash. According to FOX21's previous coverage, the initial report to dispatchers stated that two cars were racing eastbound on Briargate Blvd. when one of them crossed over into oncoming traffic and hit a westbound Volkswagen SUV head-on. Both drivers were taken to the hospital with serious injuries, and the driver of the Volkswagen, identified as 77-year-old Deanna Stemler, later died at the hospital. As a result of CSPD's ongoing investigation, on Thursday, May 21, officers obtained arrest warrants for 48-year-old Jerome Archer and 18-year-old Leeanaya Joey Martinez. Archer turned himself in the same day and was booked into the El Paso County Jail, police said. "[Archer] is accused of causing a fatal crash while participating in an illegal street racing event and is facing charges related to the death and the alleged racing activity," according to CSPD. A few days later, on Monday, May 25, Martinez turned himself in and was also booked into the El Paso County Jail. "[Martinez] is accused of causing a fatal crash while participating in an illegal street racing event and is facing charges related to the death, leaving the scene of a crash involving a fatality, participating in an illegal speed contest, failing to maintain required vehicle insurance, and failing to report the crash as required by law," police wrote. CSPD said the investigation remains active and ongoing, and asks that anyone with information contact police at (719) 444-7000; to remain anonymous, people can call Crime Stoppers at (719) 634-STOP (7867).