Police Arrest Hit-and-Run Suspect that Injures Bicyclist in Hanford
HANFORD, CA (February 16, 2023) – Ethan Valdez was injured and police arrested Melissa Contreras after a hit-and-run crash in Hanford on the afternoon of January 25.
The crash happened at West Sixth Street and South Phillips Street. According to the Hanford Police Department, the 25-year-old suspect from Lemoore was driving a blue vehicle when she struck Valdez who was riding a bicycle.
After striking the victim, Contreras fled the scene without rendering aid.
Responding officer found the 18-year-old victim from Hanford suffering from moderate injuries to his lower body. Paramedics then transported Valdez to the hospital for treatment.
Police said an automatic license plate reader installed by the city captured the suspect’s vehicle. That vehicle was traced to a home in Kings County.
Deputies then located Contreras and her vehicle at that address. They arrested the suspect and booked her into the Kings County Jail on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in injury.
An investigation is ongoing.
As drivers, it is important to always pay attention to your surroundings. Obey traffic rules and road signs, practice defensive driving, and watch out for bicyclists and pedestrians. Also, do not flee the scene when involved in a crash. Immediately stop and call 911.
If you have suffered injuries from a bicycle accident caused by a hit-and-run driver, you can count on The Law Offices of Daniel Kim. We work hard day and night to ensure that injured victims receive the compensation they rightfully deserve. Our firm has won over two hundred million dollars for our clients in thousands of successful settlements. For a free consultation, please call us at (800) 895-7199. If you need a copy of the police report, our team can also help you get one. Your case is our priority so you can focus on things that matter.