Suspect in fatal Phoenix hit and run identified
Fidel Ortiz
Photographer: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 12/19/2012
PHOENIX - A man arrested after a deadly hit and run accident Tuesday has been identified.
Phoenix police say 18-year-old Fidel Ortiz was booked into jail on one count each of manslaughter, leaving the scene of a fatal traffic collision and aggravated DUI.
According to police, Ortiz was driving a Dodge Charger at a high rate of speed when he went through the intersection at Pima and 13th Avenue, colliding with a Saturn driven by 51-year-old Sara M. Esparza.
Ortiz fled from his vehicle and ran to a relative's house nearby where he was taken into custody by officers.
Ortiz was evaluated by detectives and signs of recent use of marijuana were seen.
Police say Esparza was wearing a seatbelt but died at the scene as a result of her injuries.
Ortiz suffered minor injuries that did not require treatment, according to police.
He was booked into the Maricopa County 4th Avenue Jail.
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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