Shooting suspect accused of theft

MONTROSE — With an attempted murder case pending against him, Rafael Arellano landed in legal hot water again Friday.

The Montrose Police allege Arellano participated with two other men in the theft of tires from a South Townsend Avenue business.

He and José Cerillo-Gonzalez were passengers in the suspect vehicle, allegedly driven by Victor Perez.

Police officers responding to a call about the stolen tires spotted the truck described by witnesses at Niagara Road and gave chase. Arellano's affidavit noted the vehicle traveled at a slow rate of speed, as if it was going to stop. It seemed to the officer as though the occupants were looking for a way to escape.

The vehicle turned east onto South 12th Street, where it finally stopped in the 400 block, but then continued as if to exit the parking lot there.

One officer then drew down on the vehicle, ordering the occupants to put up their hands.

Perez was arrested without incident, but while this was taking place, Arellano allegedly burst out of the truck and ran down 12th Street.

A short foot chase ensued and Arellano was arrested behind a home a few doors down.

Police say they found the stolen tires in the truck, along with an open pack of beer.

The suspects refused to speak with investigators.

According to the affidavit, witnesses said the truck pulled up to the business and two of three males inside got out and grabbed the tires. The witness got the license plate, and, when he found out the men hadn't purchased the tires, called police.

All three men were arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor theft.

Perez is also suspected of vehicular eluding and obstruction. Cerillo-Gonzalez was also arrested on a warrant from Arapahoe County, while Arellano is additionally accused of resisting arrest, obstruction and violating a protection order that prohibited him from possession of alcohol.

All three men are due back in court Oct. 27. Arellano is free on bond.

Arellano was previously charged with attempted murder-extreme indifference in connection with a 2006 drive-by shooting. No one was injured in the incident.

Arellano is set for trial next year.