Tips lead Denver police to a hit-and-run suspect

May 18, 2013 (Press-News.org) Tips lead Denver police to a hit-and-run suspect

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A car accident is a traumatizing experience. The situation becomes more complicated when the driver who caused the accident disappears. However, sometimes police tips result in an arrest of a hit-and-run suspect, which is what occurred in a recent incident.

Suspect has a history of alcohol related driving arrests

According to ABC 7 news in Denver, CO, a 30 year-old man was recently arrested for leaving the scene of a fatal accident that killed a 35 year-old man walking home from a nearby bar. Police credit several Crime Stopper tips for leading them directly to the suspect.

The victim was crossing a road at approximately 2 a.m. when he was hit and killed by a dark blue car, which fled the scene. The man suffered substantial injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police were initially searching for a dark blue car with front-end damage. Due to numerous tips, the vehicle was eventually found in an apartment complex approximately 15 miles away.

There were no witnesses to the accident, but other drivers stopped to provide aid to the victim. The suspect is reported to have a criminal history including arrests for driving under the influence and driving without a valid license.

Police say this is the third hit-and-run accident in Colorado this year. Last year there were a total of 13. A Denver police sergeant notes that hit-and-runs are becoming increasingly common, and people are fleeing accident scenes "just because they can."

Reasons people flee

According to statistics from the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 11 percent of all accidents reported to police involve a hit-and-run driver. Those responsible for accidents often flee out of fear, because they are intoxicated or due to the lack of a valid driver's license, among other reasons.

Colorado recently increased the penalties for drivers convicted in hit-and-run accidents. Last year, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a law that more than doubles the penalties for those who leave the scene of an injury accident. The law was inspired by a hit-and-run victim who spent more time in the hospital recovering than the offender spent in jail.

While hit-and-run cases can be complicated, there are cases where the driver is caught and can be held responsible for his or her actions. A hit-and-run victim or family members needing guidance concerning next the steps should consult a qualified personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help preserve important rights and work to secure compensation for injuries sustained in the accident.