DENVER -- Police said a man they earlier suspected of stealing an unmarked Denver police car has been released without charges.

The man was arrested in the area following a short chase, but police said Wednesday afternoon that their investigation determined he might not have been driving the car at all.

The pursuit started Tuesday around 9 p.m. when a Westminster patrol officer saw the Chevrolet Monte Carlo in the parking lot of Bova's Restaurant at 7169 Federal Boulevard. The vehicle matched the description of a Denver police car that had been stolen earlier this week when it was warming up in front of an officer's home.

The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but said the driver took off.

"The vehicle tried to elude him. He chased the vehicle to 67th and Lowell. That vehicle then crashed in an embankment. The officer then attempted to pursue the suspect but he fled from the scene," said Westminster police department spokesman Tim Torres.

Several blocks in the area were closed while officers with the Westminster Police Department, Adams County Sheriff's Office, Arvada Police Department and Denver Police Department searched for the suspect.

The man who was arrested near the scene was identified through a tip, but police said information about the suspect didn't pan out.

The Denver police officer who left the cruiser running unattended in front of her home Monday morning is now the subject of an internal investigation. Ironically, it was stolen the same day that Denver police held a news conference to warn motorists about leaving their cars running and unattended.