A tragic hit-and-run crash in Central Phoenix claimed the life of 29-year-old Dillon Mares at the intersection of Camelback Road and 16th Street. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, police identified the victim, who was found with serious injuries early Saturday.
In the early hours around 12:30 a.m., despite the desperate life-saving efforts of first responders, Mares was pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle responsible for the hit-and-run was found abandoned, with its driver having fled on foot before law enforcement arrived, as stated by Sergeant Robert Scherer to FOX 10 Phoenix.
However, the apparent hit-and-run driver's evasion was short-lived, within a day, Arizona's Family reported that 24-year-old Travis Smith contacted Phoenix PD, admitting to his role in the fatal incident, following which he was arrested post-hospitalization for his injuries resulted from the collision.
Smith is facing charges of manslaughter and leaving the scene of a collision that resulted in death or serious injury after allegedly running a red light and colliding with Mares' vehicle. He then attempted to escape on foot. The aftermath was stark, with two wrecked vehicles and debris scattered everywhere, as detailed by Arizona's Family. Camelback Road was temporarily closed for investigation but later reopened.
