Tempe police have released the name of the man who was arrested early on Sunday for allegedly killing a pedestrian and severely injuring another.

Clyde Thatcher is accused of hitting 42-year-old Kelly Maeve Scott and 41-year-old Steven McDonald with his pickup truck while they were crossing the street. He subsequently fled the scene.

Thatcher was arrested around 3:30 a.m., about an hour after the deadly crash. He was taken into custody after a Tempe police officer spotted a truck matching the description of Thatcher’s silver GMC Sierra near 52nd Street and Broadway Road.

He now faces charges of manslaughter, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and hit and run, causing death. It is not known whether Thatcher has a lawyer.

The accident occurred at University Drive and College Avenue, near the Arizona State University campus. 

Scott and McDonald were both taken to a local hospital. Scott died of her injuries while McDonald suffered serious injuries but survived.

Police said Thatcher stopped at the scene and spoke briefly to two potential witnesses before getting back in his vehicle and fleeing the scene. 

The authorities believe impairment was a factor in the crash, but speed was not. Investigations into the incident are continuing.

Scott’s family remembered her as a bubbly and loving person who was very involved in the lives of the children in her family. She moved to Arizona about five years ago and had no children of her own.

Pedestrian deaths have been a cause for concern in Arizona. The City of Phoenix is considering doing away with jaywalking warnings and going straight to citations.

Please follow and like us: