This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
West Valley City police have arrested the driver they suspect hit a skateboarder, who remained in a medically induced coma 10 days after the accident.
On Friday afternoon, officers booked the 32-year-old man into Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of felony counts of hit and run and driving under the influence, as well as reckless driving, according to a police news release.
The 21-year-old victim was struck by an Acura RL on Nov. 11 as he rode his skateboard north near 4000 West and 4215 South. He suffered extensive head and leg injuries — and though he is in critical condition, he is expected to survive, according to police spokeswoman Roxeanne Vainuku.
The driver of the car left the scene, and detectives later learned the same vehicle had earlier hit a parked Jeep about three blocks away.
"Patrol officers worked rapidly to gather witness information and a short time later, they located the suspect vehicle parked several blocks away," according to the news release. "… Further investigation uncovered evidence indicating [the suspect] was driving the vehicle."
Twitter: @mikeypanda