SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Jan. 24, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — New details have been released after a hit-and-run accident Tuesday night that claimed the life of a 72-year-old bicyclist.
A probable cause statement from Salt Lake City’s 3rd District Court said the suspect, Sotero Valerio, 36, has been charged with third-degree felony failure to remain at an accident involving death. Valerio was arrested Wednesday night at 6 p.m. and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail with his bail set at $5,000.
“A/P (accused person) stated he knew he hit an individual but left the scene because he was scared,” the statement said.
The victim, Tot Nguyen, died from his injuries, the SLCPD confirmed Wednesday morning.
Nguyen was crossing 400 South near 1033 West about 6 p.m. when he was struck by an eastbound vehicle, according to Salt Lake City police. The car continued without stopping, police stated.
Officials released a file photo of a white Nissan similar to one driven by Valerio. They asked the public to keep an eye out for a similar car with front-end damage.
The suspect vehicle was subsequently located and Valerio was arrested.
Police said the area where the cyclist was hit was dark and it’s unclear whether Nguyen was wearing reflective clothing.
Gephardt Daily will have more on this developing story as information is made available.
