Indianapolis is dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a young child and left two adults critically injured. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) recently announced the arrest of 22-year-old Danny Wimbleduff in connection with the incident. The arrest, which took place yesterday, followed a week-long investigation by the IMPD’s crash investigators and Violent Crimes Unit, according to a social media post from IMPD News.
Officers were dispatched to the area of S. State Avenue and E. Raymond Street on the night of May 7, in response to a collision involving two vehicles and a bicyclist; when they arrived at the scene, they discovered four-year-old Alan Marcelo Salas-Garcia dead and a pair of adults suffering from critical injuries, the suspect implicated in the crash had fled on foot leading to a city-wide manhunt that utilized drones and K9 units, however, it was not until crash investigators spoke with witnesses and reviewed video footage did they put a name to the culprit – Wimbelduff.
Chief Chris Bailey, expressing his condolences for the loss of young Alan Marcelo Salas-Garcia, as mentioned in the IMPD's statement. "I am heartbroken by the loss of Alan Marcelo Salas-Garcia, and my deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and all who loved him," said Chief Bailey. He went on to commend the "dedicated officers and detectives who worked day and night to identify this individual and bring him into custody." The Chief extended condolences to the other victims, whose lives have been significantly affected by the event.
The suspect, Wimbleduff, is facing multiple charges, including reckless homicide and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and catastrophic injuries. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office is set to review the final charges. The IMPD has stated that an arrest and charge are merely accusations, and Wimbleduff is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
