After nearly three agonizing months, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has arrested a suspect in a hit-and-run case that resulted in the death of a 27-year-old motorcyclist near Phoenix. On Friday, MCSO took 28-year-old Jose Andres Guerrero Talamantes into custody based on evidence linked to a tragic incident that shook the local community last December, as reported by azfamily.com.
David Hadrich, the victim, was out riding his motorcycle with his father on Dec. 10 when he was fatally struck by Guerrero Talamantes, who then fled the scene. The family has described Hadrich as a beloved son, brother, grandson, and nephew. The tips from the community eventually led to the storage yard where the suspect's vehicle, a white 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD was found and processed by MCSO Vehicular Crimes Detectives, Fox 10 Phoenix detailed.
Guerrero Talamantes, now facing felony hit-and-run charges involving death, was tracked down and arrested by MCSO detectives and the Fugitive Apprehension Tactical Enforcement (FATE) Unit. During the investigation, Guerrero Talamantes admitted to being under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash and also has past drug arrests, authorities said. According to Fox 10 Phoenix, his bond was set at $150,250.
The aftermath of the incident has been harrowing for Hadrich's family. "He's in jail. David is still gone," the family expressed, acknowledging the arrest brings them peace but doesn't alleviate their loss. According to azfamily.com, David's father remembered him as the best son, sharing a love of motorcycles, while his mother and aunt spoke about the devastating impact his death has left on their lives.
Honoring Hadrich's memory and preventing future tragedies, the family is now advocating for a roundabout to be installed at the intersection where the accident occurred. They are also considering adopting the road as a tribute to their late son. Underpinning their campaign is a fundamental plea for drivers to slow down and pay attention, to ensure that such a senseless loss does not befall another family.
