SUV driver arrested after hit-and-run accident

MANILA, Philippines—Police arrested a 26-year-old motorist who attempted to escape after his sports utility vehicle ran over a pedestrian in Quezon City early Wednesday.

SPO3 Henry Se of the Quezon City Police District Traffic Enforcement identified the suspect as Pascual Ruel Jose of Masamabong, Quezon City.

Se said Jose was arrested after a brief chase around 12:30 a.m. from the north bound lane of Aurora Boulevard underpass in EDSA, Cubao to the K10th Street in Kamias, along EDSA.

The traffic officer said the victim, who died instantly after he was hit by the suspect’s gray Mitsubishi Pajero (TCC-368), was described to be at least five feet, to have brown complexion, to be slim, and wearing a brown short pants and no top.

Jose is now detained at the district detention cell in Camp Karingal, according to Se.

The Pajero, he said, was registered to a certain Ruel Raymund Jose.

The traffic officer narrated that Jose was caught after a brief chase by responding policemen from the Cubao Police Station.

Jose, he said, would be charged with the abandonment of the victim apart from reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.

He said that based on the statement of Jose, the victim suddenly appeared in front of the vehicle while he was travelling at the Aurora Boulevard underpass.

The suspect said it was too late for him to stop.

Se added that the suspect also incurred injuries when the Pajero went out of control and smashed into the underpass concrete wall.

“Despite the injury, the suspect still managed to drive away, but was chased by roving policemen,’’ he added.