Passenger in road rage crash on I-225 faces attempted murder charge

AURORA, Colo. - The passenger in a car involved in a road-rage crash in Aurora is being held on several charges, including attempted murder.

Michael Christopher Hall, 25, was riding in a 2005 Silver Chrysler Sebring driven by 24-year-old Danielle Marie Buffum Saturday afternoon, according to Sgt. William Revelle with the Aurora Police Department.

Police said Hall got into some kind of argument with a man riding a Honda CBR 600 motorcycle on Interstate 225 near East Iliff Avenue at around 4:50 p.m.

Hall grabbed the steering wheel and jerked it right, and the Chrysler hit the motorcycle, Revelle said.

Jason Pfeifer and his wife were heading home with their two daughters when he said they witnessed the crash first hand. His daughters were visibly shaken.

"They were pretty terrified,” Pfeifer said. “They didn't quite understand."

Pfeifer told 7News he was driving behind a group of motorcyclists. He says the motorcyclists were going the speed limit, attempting to pass a vehicle.

“As they were going around, the passenger started yelling at the motorcyclists and then he chose the last one to hit off the road."

After the impact, both vehicles rolled several times. The Chrysler ended up on its roof.

"I went to the motorcyclist. My wife went and checked on the people in the car," Pfeifer said.

The motorcyclist was seriously injured and rushed to the hospital, Revelle stated. Police have not released his  name.

"He was in obvious pain," Pfeifer said. "I sat there and let him squeeze my hand as hard as he could."

Pfeifer noted the motorcyclist was wearing full protective gear, which he believes may have saved his life.

Buffum also went to the hospital, but police did not provide details about the extent of her injuries.

Hall was the only person not hurt in the crash. He was arrested and is being held on bond on several charges including first-degree assault and attempted homicide.

Police don't know what the dispute was about.

Revelle said traffic investigators are still interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence to determine what, if any, charges Buffum may face.

Speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash, Revelle said.