Drivers Learning Consequences Of Hit-And-Run Crashes

Wed September 30 2009
Posted Sep 30, 2009
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Des Moines, IA The suspect in a weekend hit-and-run in Des Moines remains in jail. Angela Arellano is being held on $80,000 bond. Arellano is charged with vehicular homicide while intoxicated and causing serious injury by vehicle. She's due back in court November 10th. Thirteen-year-old Devin Fry was killed in that crash. Seventeen-year-old Rabiatu Timothy, also known as Julianna, has been upgraded to fair condition. After several recent fatal hit-and-run crashes, it seems like the crashes are part of a disturbing trend. Police said leaving the scene of an accident makes the investigation more difficult, but it also gets the driver in a lot more trouble. Investigators said sticking around and taking responsibility pays off with a lighter penalty. In just 10 weeks, 5 people have left the scene of deadly accidents in the metro. When drivers flee a crash before officers arrive, they open themselves up to extra charges. In some cases, that can mean up to five extra years in prison. Accident investigators said most people who run simply panic. But there are a variety of reasons. "Alcohol may be being used or drugs being used maybe. Depending on the age, you may have older people who may not be aware they struck something. You may have younger people who are just plain scared," said Iowa State Patrol trooper Kirk Lundgren. Records show most who run are eventually caught. Often, they leave evidence behind at the scene or witnesses come forward.