KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
(Updates with suspect name; statement from CHP)
CHP officers identified the suspect arrested for a fatal hit and run crash Friday, officials said.
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“It was early hours this morning,” said Officer Josh Greengard. “He was located in the Santa Clarita Valley.”
A vehicle driven Lucas James Guidroz was located by Santa Clarita Valley deputies and CHP around 3:15 a.m., per CHP officials.
The suspect’s vehicle was located in Canyon Country, off Arcay Way, in the early morning hours Friday outside. Guidroz is not the registered owner of the vehicle, officials said.
Shortly after locating the vehicle, Guidroz turned himself into the Santa Clarita Sheriff station. The driver has been booked at the Los Angeles County Santa Clarita Sheriff Station for the following charges:
20001(a)VC – Felony – Driver of a vehicle involved in a traffic collision causing injury or death shall immediately stop at the scene of the collision.
Social media and the assistance from the public were instrumental in the apprehension of Lucas James Guidroz CHP officials said.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Officer B. Branch at the Newhall CHP Office at 661-294-5540.
From a previous story:
Emergency responders pronounced Bennett dead at the scene as a result of injuries he sustained in the collision.
Related story: UPDATE: CHP Investigating Fatal Hit And Run On Placerita Canyon
Bennett taught math, music and band at Arroyo Seco Junior High School. A statement sent by Arroyo Seco Principal Rhondi Durand Wednesday night included the following:
“Please know that we will have crisis counseling team members on hand throughout the day to assist our students and staff in what will most assuredly be a difficult day for all of us.
In light of these extraordinary circumstances, I have made the difficult decision to cancel the Showcase scheduled for tomorrow. Rod Bennett was a beloved teacher, mentor and friend to so many at Arroyo Seco. I have also asked to have the assistance of the District Office personnel on hand to assist us.” (Click here for the Hart district website.)
California Highway Patrol officers are leading the investigation. The driver of the sedan is sought in connection with the fatal crash. An arrest had not been reported as of 10 p.m., according to Sheriff’s Station officials.
An all points bulletin has been issued for the vehicle, and officials are asking anyone who identifies the car to call 911. Informants can report information anonymously.
The collision occurred around 4:31 p.m. Wednesday for an unknown reason, officials stated, noting Bennett was to the far right of the eastbound lane on Placerita Canyon Road, in front of the silver sedan at the time of the incident. The sedan was behind the bicyclist when the car struck the bike.
“After the collision, the driver of the silver sedan continued eastbound on Placerita Canyon Road, fleeing the scene,” according to a CHP report.
Anyone with information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact Officer Branch at the Newhall CHP Office at(661)-294-5540.
(Melissa Lampert contributed to this report.)
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