A man who the authorities in Bakersfield, California, identified on Monday, February 24th, as Jonathan Sanchez, 25, has been arrested. The arrest is in connection with the hit-and-run accident on Edison Highway.

The accident happened on Sunday, February 23rd, and authorities are yet to identify the man beyond his age. The 34-year-old man lost his life after Sanchez knocked him down, and fled the scene.

The California Highway Patrol said the man was walking across the highway at Exchange Street a little after midnight when a 2007 Chevrolet driven by Sanchez hit him. First responders found the man at the scene unresponsive and pronounced him dead.

Information from witnesses helped CHP track down the driver, and they arrested him. They also uncovered that Sanchez was driving under the influence at the time of the accident.

The investigation into the crash is still ongoing. The driver is facing felony DUI charges, felony hit-and-run, and vehicular manslaughter; the courts in California frown at all three.

Sanchez, if convicted, will face years in jail, a fine, and suspension of his driver’s license. The family of the deceased pedestrian or his representative can also choose to file a civil lawsuit against the driver.

If that happens, Sanchez will face a wrongful death lawsuit. After the trial, he will then make restitution to the family based on the amount determined by the court.

Accidents are never easy, but it’s better for those involved to stay back and help any injured person. California law makes provision for this and expects drivers to show care for the life and property of fellow residents.

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