Man arrested on aggravated DUI after allegedly hitting pedestrian
A man who Yuma police said hit someone with his vehicle after being distracted on the road was booked on several charges, including aggravated DUI.
Meanwhile Yuma police say the victim is in critical condition.
On Sunday Yuma Police Department responded to a vehicle-pedestrian collision in the 2300 block of Virginia Drive.
The investigation revealed 30-year-old Skyler Smith was driving a 2004 GMC Yukon southbound when he became distracted by his cell phone and veered off the road hitting a 22-year-old David Oropez Jr. who was walking on the sidewalk east of South Virginia Drive.
Oropez was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center and was later flown to a Phoenix hospital. YPD said as of last check the victim is in critical condition. Smith was taken into custody and is booked on multiple charges. Those charges are endangerment, aggravated DUI, driving with a suspended license, and reckless driving. Court officials confirmed Smith’s bond was set at $5,000.
YPD said they are waiting on blood test results to confirm that Smith was under the influence. Those results could take about three months to come in.
The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information to please call at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime/(928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous. Remember if your information leads to an arrest you may receive up to a $1,000 cash reward.
David’s family has set up a GoFund Me Account to help his journey to recovery.
