FAYETTEVILLE -- A Batesville man pleaded not guilty today to fleeing a crash in Springdale last year that killed a 62-year-old pedestrian.
Eulogio Martinez-Pacheco, 25, of Batesville was arraigned in Washington County Circuit Court on charges of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, tampering with evidence and not having a driver's license.
The Springdale Police Department responded to the hit-and-run Nov. 3 on North Thompson Street at West Bailey Avenue.
Authorities say the driver, Martinez-Pacheco, fled the scene in a Dodge Neon after hitting a pedestrian on the road. Cruz Gonzales of Springdale was pronounced dead at the scene.
In July, Springdale Police detectives went to Independence County after an anonymous tip Martinez-Pacheco lived in the area.
Martinez-Pacheco was found at his workplace in Floral, a town about 24 miles south of Batesville, and he was questioned at the Independence County Sheriff's Office.
He admitted during questioning he saw the victim run out in front of him as he drove on Thompson Street, police said.
Martinez-Pacheco said he fled the scene and dismantled the vehicle at a home where he was staying in Springdale. Vehicle parts were then taken to a scrap metal yard in Batesville, he said.
Martinez-Pacheco was given an Oct. 18 court date. He is free on a $10,000 bond while awaiting trial.
NW News on 08/17/2017