Patrick McConkey Killed, Flaviano Soltero Arrested after Smith River Pedestrian Crash on Highway 101 near Timbers Boulevard
Smith River, California (February 22, 2020) – Police have arrested the hit-and-run driver who caused a traffic accident that killed a pedestrian on January 2 in Smith River.
The crash happened at about 9:30 p.m. January 2 on Highway 101 near Timbers Boulevard.
Patrick McConkey was walking on the west shoulder of Highway 101 just north of Timbers Boulevard when a grey Honda Odyssey van struck him. The Honda driver did not stop after hitting McConkey, police said.
McConkey died as a result of the crash.
An investigation was conducted by the CHP to find the hit-and-run driver. The Honda driver, identified as Flaviano Tovar Soltero,29, was arrested on February 13.
Soltero was booked into the Del Norte County Jail and was charged with hit-and-run resulting in death, vehicular manslaughter and obstructing a public officer.
The crash remains under investigation.
Arin noted that pedestrians, in most instances, have the right-of-way when crossing a street or an intersection. According to Arin, to properly investigate a pedestrian crash and prove negligence, enough resources are required. “A skilled attorney has the resources and will help investigate the accident to determine the party at fault,” Arin said