Career Criminal Larry Barnes Arrested for 35th Time After High-Speed Chase in Aurora

A career criminal with one of the longest rap sheets Aurora police have ever seen landed back in custody after a high-speed chase early Monday. Officers say a blind passenger in the stolen car begged the driver to let her out during the pursuit.

"An extensive criminal history … it may be the largest I’ve ever seen," Aurora police said in a social media post after the arrest.

The incident started around 3 a.m. near Scranton Street just south of Smith Road. Flock camera technology alerted officers to a stolen vehicle. Patrol units spotted the car and tried a traffic stop, but the driver refused to pull over and sped away.

Police video shows an officer radioing, "The car is taking off — stolen vehicle pursuit, pursuit, pursuit … we’re going to be going westbound … speeds are 61." The chase moved through city streets toward Quebec Street and Exposition Avenue.

"Sigh. Another runner. No worries, we got you," the department posted.

Officers used city traffic cameras to track the vehicle. They ended the pursuit with a PIT maneuver. The 55-year-old driver, identified as Aurora resident Larry Barnes, tried to flee on foot but officers caught him quickly.

Video captures the takedown. An officer shouts, "Get on the ground, let me see your hands, put your hands behind your back," before cuffing Barnes.

Inside the car, police found a blind woman who said she repeatedly pleaded with Barnes to stop during the chase. That led to a kidnapping charge.

Barnes has a long record as a prolific car thief. It includes arrests for drug distribution, assault on a peace officer, burglary and other crimes. This marked his 35th arrest.

A search turned up more than 30 grams of methamphetamine and crack cocaine. Barnes faces charges of kidnapping, motor vehicle theft, possession with intent to distribute, driving under the influence and felony eluding. He also had an outstanding warrant.

Aurora police credited proactive patrols and real-time technology for the arrest. "Safer Aurora streets, no matter the hour. That’s how we do," the department said.