In the state of Arizona, whenever you are in a crash involving serious injuries or fatalities, according to ARS 28-663 you are required to stop and render assistance if possible. Not only is considered cowardly and callous to leave the scene of a crash, but it then becomes a hit and run and carries serious consequences.
AZ Central reported that Phoenix Police have arrested a driver suspected of leaving the scene of a fatal crash last month.
The suspect has been identified as Moses Seth Tasco, 23 of Tempe. Police investigators believe that Tasco ran a red light at the intersection of 24th Street and McDowell Road on Monday, April 22nd. Tasco’s vehicle struck a motorcyclist who was traveling southbound on 24th Street. Tasco abandoned his car but fled the scene of the collision on foot.
The motorcyclist has been identified as Carlos Ruben Martinez, 38. Martinez was transported to an area hospital for treatment. He later died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the accident.
Police eventually apprehended Tasco and placed him under arrest.
Eyewitnesses at the scene said that Tasco was outside of his vehicle after the crash and admitted that he hit the motorcyclist before he fled the scene. Court documents indicate that Martinez did have the right of way and that nearby video footage from a convenience store indicates that Tasco ran the red light.
Tasco is facing the charge of suspicion of leaving the scene of a deadly crash. A judge has set Tasco’s bond at $150,000.
