Driver accused of killing Highlands Ranch boy pleads guilty to one charge

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — A driver is charged Fatally attacked seventh grader in Highlands Ranch He pleaded guilty Monday to reckless driving resulting in death while on his way to school.

13-year-old Alexander “Alex” Mackiewicz was riding the OneWheel (one-wheeled electric skateboard). Just before 7 a.m. on March 6 He was driving through the intersection of Venneford Ranch Road and Highlands Ranch Parkway when a driver struck and killed him.

The driver remained at the scene after the crash, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO).

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The driver, identified as Ruben Morones, 53, was traveling eastbound in the far right lane of Highlands Ranch Parkway when he approached the intersection, the sheriff’s office said. The signal was red for eastbound traffic at the time, according to DCSO

Alex was heading south through the crosswalk at Venneford Ranch Road, crossing the Highlands Ranch Parkway. The sheriff’s office said the walk signal was activated as the teen crossed the street.

According to DCSO, Morones ran a red light and hit Alex on the opposite side of the intersection. Following the collision east of the intersection, the vehicle came to a “controlled stop”. The sheriff’s office said Alex was ejected from Onewheel and came to rest against the curb line east of the intersection.

Investigators do not believe speed was a factor, according to DCSO.

Morons arrested Careless driving causing death, careless driving causing serious bodily injury to a defenseless road user and failure to obey traffic control signals. He pleaded guilty Monday to reckless driving resulting in death. Court records show two other charges — reckless driving causing injury and failure to obey traffic control signs — were dismissed by the district attorney’s office.

Morones is scheduled to be sentenced on January 7, 2025.