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Suspect arrested in Casper hit-and-run

Emergency crews parked on North Center Street, outside the Dick Cheney Federal Building, on the morning of March 5, 2020. Police on scene said that a bicyclist was severely injured in a hit-and-run crash. (Trevor T. Trujillo, Oil City News)

CASPER, Wyo. —  The Casper Police Department has confirmed that a man suspected in a vehicle-on-pedestrian hit-and-run case has turned himself in.

Police told reporters during the early morning hours of March 5, 2020; that a bicyclist had suffered severe, but non-life threatening injuries, after being struck by a passenger vehicle.

Officials said that at around 3:30 am March 5, officers responded to the 300 block of North Center Street in Casper for a car accident with injuries.

“The investigation so far has revealed that a bicyclist was traveling on the sidewalk headed north when a vehicle exited a nearby apartment complex and struck the bicyclist,” Casper PD officials said following the incident Thursday. “The driver and a witness helped the bicyclist who was stuck under the car. After helping, the driver of the vehicle left the scene.”

Police officials then announced that they were searching for the driver.

On Monday, March 9, officials confirmed to Oil City that 41-year-old Eliel Lopez had been taken into custody in the case. Lopez reportedly turned himself in, just after 10:30 pm, March 6.

Lopez faces recommended charges of Aggravated Assault, Failure to Render Aid, Reckless Driving, felony Meth Possession, and misdemeanor Meth Possession. Formal charges are expected to be filed by the Natrona County District Attorney at a future Circuit Court hearing.

A police spokesperson said that methamphetamine had been discovered as a result of a search warrant being served on Lopez’s home. Further details were not immediately available.

All of those cited or arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Charges are subject to change following official filings from the Natrona County District Attorney’s Office.

This article originally appeared on Oil City News. Used with permission.


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