FRIDAY 8/12/22 9:16 a.m.
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4) – Police arrested a man on Friday in connection to a hit-and-run crash that killed an 11-year-old boy in West Valley City.
West Valley City Police have identified the suspect as Steven Rollins, 45. The man is currently in police custody.
An 11-year-old boy was struck and killed while walking on the sidewalk with his mother late Wednesday night. Police say Rollins’ truck allegedly struck the boy before driving away from the scene.
The deadly autoped happened near 4244 S and 4000 W around 11:30 p.m. He was transported to a local hospital where he later died due to his injuries.
At the time, police were working to narrow down a vehicle and suspect description. Broken parts from the suspect’s vehicle were found at the scene caused by the impact. Investigators used surveillance camera footage from nearby homes and businesses while speaking with neighbors near the accident scene to find leads. They eventually determined the suspect was driving a silver-colored Toyota Tacoma truck with notable front-end damage.
An eyewitness reported spotting the truck parked near the scene while an adult man and woman exited and walked away.
The vehicle’s owner was tracked down to a residence near 4000 West 3700 South where police found Rollins. During questioning, police say a woman was found with the suspect and admitted to witnessing the child being hit by Rollins’ truck. She claims she encouraged him to turn himself in after the accident.
Rollins was located and arrested on charges of failing to remain at the scene of an accident involving a death. He is currently booked at the Salt Lake County Jail.
“We commend the hard work and dedication of our traffic unit whose members worked tirelessly to make an arrest in this case,” says West Valley City Police. “Their diligence and unparalleled skill ensured that the suspect in this case could be located. We also thank our community members who work as partners with us every day to ensure safety in their neighborhoods and justice in our city.”
ORIGINAL STORY: 11-year-old boy killed by hit-and-run driver in West Valley City
THURSDAY 8/11/22 6:23 a.m.
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4) – An 11-year-old boy was struck and killed by a driver while walking with his mother in West Valley City late Wednesday night.
West Valley City Police say the boy was fatally struck near 4244 S and 4000 W around 11:30 p.m.
According to police, the boy was walking on the sidewalk with his mother when the suspect’s vehicle left the roadway and struck the child.
After fatally striking the boy, authorities say the suspect drove away from the scene.
The child was transported to a local hospital where he later died due to his injuries.
Police say the suspect’s vehicle is “dark-colored” and has damage to the front area. The suspect remains at large and authorities are currently investigating the incident.
Anyone who may have details about the case is asked to contact West Valley Police at (801) 840-4000.
ABC4 will update this story when more information becomes available.
