Denver teens receive $10,000 Law Tigers Hit and Run Reward
Law Tigers Press Release - Jan 16, 2012

Steven Sanchez and Jason Perez chased down drunk driver after he fled the scene of an accident. 

Steven Sanchez and Jason Perez say instinct and the desire to see justice for two hurt motorists drove them to chase down a drunk driver who fled the scene of an accident last summer. 

On July 10, 2010, the duo saw Efrain Villegas crash into motorcyclist Jon Brand and his fiancé Debbie Pyatok at the intersection of 70 th Avenue and Broadway. When Villegas sped off, Sanchez and Perez decided to pursue him, chasing the driver to a dead end where he and his passenger fled on foot. The teens were able to capture the passenger and subdue him until police arrived. Thanks to their quick thinking, Villegas was apprehended the following day. 

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On Wednesday, Sanchez and Perez were recognized for their heroics with the $10,000 Law Tigers Hit & Run Reward. The reward, presented by Tom Metier of The Metier Law Firm, recognizes individuals who assist in the felony conviction of a driver responsible for hit and run motorcycle injuries. Brand, 59, was killed in the crash. Pyatok, who was severely injured, nominated the two young men for the honor. 

“I want to thank them again,” said Pyatok, at a ceremony honoring Sanchez and Perez Wednesday at Freedom Harley Davidson in Lakewood. “I wouldn’t have been able to rest at night (without their help).” 

Villegas pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and is now serving nine years in prison. If I had to do it all over again, I would,” said Perez. “I wasn’t really in fear for my life. I was just thinking, how does someone leave a scene like that?”

Perez, 19, who will graduate this May from Denver Justice High School, said he spent some of the money on Christmas gifts and potential college expenses. North High School graduate Sanchez, also 19, says the money will go to his three-week-old son and fiancé. 

The Law Tigers are a national network of attorneys committed to helping victims of motorcycle accidents. The hit and run reward offers a $10,000 cash payment to a third party who provides information leading to the felony conviction of a hit and run driver who injures or kills a motorcyclist.