CEDAR CITY, Utah, Sept. 9, 2020 (Gephardt Daily) — A suspect has been arrested in the death of a 37-year-old Cedar City man, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident on Monday.
The victim’s name has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
The man was hit while walking in the parking lot of a Cedar City Home Depot. Police said evidence suggested the victim was struck intentionally.
The man arrested Wednesday is 25-year-old Jacob Schmidt, also of Cedar City.
“Officers arrived on scene and provided medical help to the victim before EMS arrived on scene,” a statement from the Cedar City Police Department says. “The victim was transported to the Cedar City Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.”
The suspect was driving a silver/gray older model Dodge Stratus with no license plate, and missing a hubcap on the rear passenger side wheel, the CCPD statement says.
“On Sept. 8, 2020, the vehicle was reported by a citizen as abandoned just west of Cedar City on a dirt road, hidden behind a tree,” the department says in a statement released Wednesday. “Investigators gathered evidence and information from witnesses, and the vehicle that led to the identity of the suspect — 25-year-old Jacob Schmidt, a Cedar City resident.
“On Sept. 9, 2020, Jacob was taken into custody during a traffic stop. Jacob was booked into the Iron County Jail and charged with murder, a first-degree felony.
“The Cedar City Police Department would like to extend its sympathies to the victim’s family for their loss,” the CCPD statement says. “We would also like to thank everyone that has provided us with tips and information.”
This is a very sad situation. The perpetrator, Mr. Schmidt is from Henderson, NV/Pitman. I don’t know him personally, but I know of him. We are only separated by a couple of acquaintances. He has had a troubled life and moved to try to get his shit together and this happens. He snapped. This should be a lessen to people who bully others. People sometimes snap and this is the end result. My condolences go to the victims family. There is no winner here. Both lives are lost.