Merced man suspected of hit and run, car theft

A 19-year-old man was arrested early Saturday after an alleged hit-and-run crash, Merced police reported.

The incident was reported just before 7 a.m. in the 1500 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Way, according to a Merced police press release.

Police responded to a solo vehicle crash and located a vehicle facing the wrong direction, on the sidewalk next to the Wendy’s restaurant.

According to officers’ preliminary investigation, the driver lost control of the vehicle near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Way and West 15th Street, and traveled southbound on Martin Luther King Jr. Way in the northbound lanes. The vehicle hit a street light and fire hydrant, causing the water line to break, resulting in flooding at the intersection.

A witness reported the two male occupants of the vehicle fled the scene, running eastbound. Officer Jeff Gonzales assisted with the investigation and found two suspects matching the description of the occupants. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Alejandro Rodriguez, 19. The registered owner of the vehicle was found and reported the vehicle stolen, police said.

Rodriguez was arrested on suspicion of felony hit and run, auto theft, possession of a controlled substance and driving on a suspended license and four outstanding warrants. The passenger, an 18-year-old man, had minor lacerations as a result of the traffic collision, and stated he would seek his own medical treatment.

Staff from the city’s Public Works and Fire departments arrived to address the flooding. The roadway was cleared and reopened at around 8 a.m.

Anyone with information can call Officer Craig McKeeman at (209) 385-6905 or the automated tipline at (209) 385-4725.

This story was originally published November 22, 2014 at 1:39 PM with the headline "Merced man suspected of hit and run, car theft."