Suspect in a stolen car gets lit up with pepper balls and wanted to take a smoke break after pursuit

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Denver, CO - A suspect who lit a cigarette, telling officers he’d exit a stolen vehicle after finishing his smoke break, was arrested Saturday evening after a police pursuit.

It all began just before 5 p.m. on Saturday when a license plate reader camera informed Aurora police officers of a stolen Chevy Express van located near 16th Avenue and Dayton Street. Officers found the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, according to the Aurora Police Department.

The driver was identified as John Raspitha, 34, and the Aurora agency said he has a long history with police.

Raspitha reportedly did not comply with the traffic stop, and officers initiated a pursuit with multiple unsuccessful PIT maneuvers. His escape was slowed by a flat tire, and officers were able to successfully use a PIT maneuver on 14th Avenue between Poplar and Pontiac streets to stop Raspitha’s vehicle.

Officers reported that Raspitha refused to leave the vehicle, despite repeated police commands. Officers attempted to break the window with a 40mm, but the measure failed. They then used another tool to break the window and deployed pepper ball rounds.

“John’s response? He lit a cigarette, told officers he’d come out after he finished it, and sat back for a smoke break,” the Aurora Police Department said. “Spoiler: pepper balls don’t wait, and neither do we. He quickly exited on his own.”

Officers found multiple credit and debit cards and IDs, all belonging to other people, inside the van.

Raspitha is now facing a number of charges, including motor vehicle theft, eluding, obstruction, and criminal possession of financial devices. Official charges will be filed by the 17th Judicial District.