SALINAS — Police have been looking for the driver of a red Dodge Neon which had been involved in a hit-and-run incident on Thursday, November 17th, at the intersection of West Alisal and Capital.
On December 11th, police arrested 19-year-old Felipe Merino on numerous charges, including that very incident.
On that day in November, a 57-year-old woman was crossing the street at the intersection when a red Neon travelling southbound on Capital made a left turn and struck her, causing serious injuries. The driver fled the scene.
Police reviewed surveillance footage to verify the make and model of the car.
Weeks later, on December 11th, a Salinas Police Officer noticed a similar-looking Neon on East Market street and conducted a stop. It was at that time that he noticed damage to the hood and windshield that seemed consistent with the collision currently under investigation.
The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Merino, was arrested for being without his license and questioned at the Police Department.
During questioning, Merino confessed to his involvement in the hit-and-run. Merino’s young son had also been in the vehicle and confirmed that his father had been driving at that time.
