Over a year since the fatal hit-and-run that claimed a bicyclist's life on Railyards Boulevard & Bercut Drive, Sacramento Police have finally made an arrest. The Sacramento Police Department reported that on August 29, 41-year-old Cecil Belton of Sacramento was arrested on charges of felony hit-and-run resulting in death and other related charges. The arrest followed an intensive investigation into the August 2023 incident, where a dark-colored Acura TL struck and killed the victim before fleeing the scene.
As stated in a post by the Sacramento Police Department, this successful arrest is attributed to the persistent efforts of detectives who worked to quickly identify not only the vehicle but also the driver behind the collision. After the incident, police responded to the collision site where they, alongside the Sacramento Fire Department, attempted to save the male bicyclist, but he was pronounced deceased at the scene. In a subsequent search for information, officials had released details about the suspect vehicle potentially being a 2004 to 2008 Acura TL with front and driver side damage, encouraging the public to come forward with any relevant information.
The name of the deceased was withheld pending notification of next of kin, a task that fell to the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office. As the case has drawn on, authorities continued to urge the community to assist by providing any evidence or testimony that could aid in the investigation. Citizens were reminded of the potential for a reward up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and were provided with various channels for anonymously submitting tips, including a smartphone app, which could be instrumental in helping to bring resolution to such tragic incidents.
The extensive investigative work exemplified by the Sacramento Police Department’s Major Collision Investigation Unit showcases their commitment to justice and due process, as well as to the families of victims touched by such needless tragedies. "This is yet another example of the dedication of the men and women of the Sacramento Police Department to provide justice to victim's families," said the Sacramento Police Department in their announcement of the arrest.
