Updated Story: LPD Publicly Identifies Victim in Deadly Hit & Run
Lubbock Police were called to the scene of a hit and run accident at South Loop and University Avenue in the early morning hours of Tuesday.
Police said a driver hit a cyclist and then drove off. A suspect was later located 66th Street and Avenue P.
Another driver hit the bicycle while it was on the ground, stopped, and then stayed on scene to help the victim.
Lubbock Police released the following written statement Tuesday morning:
Accident Investigators with the Lubbock Police Department are investigating a fatal crash early this morning on the westbound access road of South Loop 289 near University Avenue.
At approximately 2:20 a.m., an officer was patrolling a car dealership near the Loop and University when he heard a loud noise that sounded like a vehicle collision. The officer then observed a pickup truck with damage leave the area.
The officer continued to follow a fluid trail left by the damaged truck until he located the vehicle near 66th Street and Avenue P. The officer conducted a traffic stop and the driver, 38-year-old Casey Baker, pulled over and was taken into custody.
During this time, other officers responded to the area of the crash where a male was lying on the road with life threatening injuries. It appeared the male was riding a bicycle on the westbound access road when he was struck by a vehicle.
The male was taken by ambulance to University Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased a few hours later.
Baker was initially arrested for failure to stop and render aid and intoxication assault. Those charges could be enhanced.
Investigators are still working to identify the male victim and notify next of kin.
LPD’s Accident Investigation Unit will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this crash.
Related Story: One Person Critically Hurt After Hit and Run Tuesday Morning
