Utah man arrested following hit-and-run crash involving bicyclist
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The following is a news release from Idaho State Police. Mugshot: Cache County Sheriff’s Office
On the night of Oct. 16, Idaho State Police responded to the report of a hit-and-run collision between a vehicle and a bicyclist near the intersection of South State Street and East 4800 South in Franklin County.
Responding troopers located a 25-year-old bicyclist who was seriously injured and was airlifted for medical attention. Based on the investigation, troopers believed a 2015-2018 Volkswagen Jetta sustained extensive front-end damage when it struck the bicyclist before fleeing the area. ISP requested public assistance to identify and locate the Jetta.
Since the collision, ISP has investigated the incident. Based on tips and evidence, troopers determined the vehicle belonged to 33-year-old Christopher James Ward of Smithfield, Utah. Working with the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, an arrest warrant was issued for Ward.
This morning, the Smithfield Police Department arrested Ward on his outstanding warrant for felony leaving the scene of an injury crash and felony concealment of evidence. Ward is currently in the Cache County Jail where he awaits extradition to Idaho. His vehicle has been seized and returned to Idaho.
ISP is thankful to the public for providing numerous tips which led to an arrest in this case. Without information from Franklin County, Idaho, and Cache County, Utah residents, troopers could not have solved the case. ISP also received assistance from the Preston Police Department, Idaho Fish and Game, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, and the Smithfield Police Department.
The bicyclist was transferred to a hospital in Utah, where he remains in critical condition. No medical updates will be provided.
If anyone has additional information about this case, please call ISP at (208) 239-9800.