NORRISTOWN, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Police have arrested an 18-year-old in connection with a crash that killed a landscaper while he was doing yard work last year in Montgomery County.
Authorities say 35-year-old Artemio De La Rosa Martinez was doing landscaping work with his brother on West Valley Green Road in Flourtown on Nov. 8 when he was struck by a vehicle going nearly 70 miles per hour. Martinez was hit with such force his body flew 168 feet from the point of impact. His shoes were found stuck in a 36-foot tree.
Officials say the driver, identified as Shakim Elias Mendez, fled the scene on foot and ditched the car, leaving his wallet and driver’s license inside. His brother picked him up near a walking trail and drove off.
Police spotted the brother’s car about two hours later and initiated a traffic stop.
Mendez was charged with fleeing and attempting to elude police. He was released on $50,000 unsecured bail. An arrest warrant was issued for Mendez in December. He was taken into custody Thursday in Wilmington, Delaware.
During the investigation, officials discovered Mendez ditched his GPS ankle monitor the day of the hit-and-run. They say he also had window tint on his windshield, a cell phone mount blocking his view, and a fake temporary license plate.
Police say he is in the process of being extradited from Delaware to Montgomery County.
Officials say Mendez is facing several charges, including homicide by vehicle and fraudulent title registration.