Police arrest hit-and-run suspect
UPDATE 12/12/16 9:05 AM: Salinas police arrested a driver Sunday morning who is suspected of a fatal hit-and-run accident.
Police say Felipe Merino, 19, was stopped for speeding on East Market Street near Towt Street. His car, a red Dodge Neon, showed body damage consistent with the collision that killed a 57-year-old woman on November 17, 2016.
Police arrested Merino for driving without a license or identification. During questioning, Merino admitted to the hit-and-run. Officers say Merino’s son, who was with him at the time of the collision, confirmed that his father had been driving.
Merino was booked into Monterey county Jail on charges of hit and run causing injuries, and unlicensed driver.
ORIGINAL STORY: Salinas police are asking for the public’s help in finding a driver who hit a pedestrian and then fled the scene on November 17, 2016.
According to police, a 57-year-old woman was seriously injured when she was struck by a red Dodge Neon as she walked in a crosswalk at West Alisal and Capitol Streets. The driver didn’t stick around to check on her condition.
Police released surveillance video of the suspect’s car as well as a photograph of a generic red 2005 Dodge Neon.
Anyone with information that could help police identify the driver is asked to contact Sergeant Gerry Ross at (831) 758-7975 or at gerardr@ci.salinas.ca.us.
