UPDATED: Suspects arrested in fatal Hemet hit and run
UPDATED: 07/21/2016 1 p.m.
Cesar Escobar was one of two alleged suspects arrested in connection with the robbery and fatal hit and run of 17-year-old Andrew Rodriguez.
Hemet Police officials have announced the arrest of two people allegedly involved in the fatal hit and run of 17-year-old Andrew Rodriguez. The murder happened Monday, July 18, in the 800 block of Sunjoy Drive in Hemet.
Officials arrested the pair Wednesday, July 20, at about 7:30 p.m., according to Hemet Police Lieutenant Eddie Pust. They were located in the 29000 block of Eucalyptus Avenue in Moreno Valley.
The two who were arrested were identified as a 17-year-old male – whose name was not released due to his age – and 19-year-old Cesar Amilcar Escobar. Both alleged suspects are residents of San Jacinto.
The suspects were located with the vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the crime. Officers recovered the vehicle and it was taken for gathering of forensic evidence related to the deadly hit and run.
During their investigation, officials determined the 17-year-old suspect was driving the car when Andrew was fatally run down.
Both alleged suspects were arrested after being located and interviewed by police officials.
The juvenile was booked into Riverside County Juvenile Hall. Escobar was booked into the Southwest Detention Center.
A jail record search showed the two were booked on suspicion of committing murder with malice, robbery, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
The juvenile is being held in lieu of one million dollars bail and Escobar is being held without bail.
Escobar is scheduled to be arraigned at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta July 22. No information was available regarding the juvenile’s court proceedings.
Anyone with further information about this case is asked to call Hemet Police Investigator Doug Klinzing at (951) 765-2423. Callers can remain anonymous.
UPDATED: 07/21/2016 3:50 a.m. Victim identified by family
Andrew Rodriguez in a family photo provided by his family.
The 17-year-old victim who was killed in a hit and run has been identified by his family as Andrew Rodriguez. According to his family and witnesses, Andrew was killed after having an argument with the driver of the car that ran him down.
In a gofundme account set up to raise money to help with Andrew’s burial expenses his family described Andrew as having a kind spirit, saying that he loved his family, loved his girlfriend, his friends, and all those who came around him.
“Andrew was passionate about biking, music, and fashion – just like his uncle, Richard Palmer – who set up the account. The account has raised nearly $3,000 in the day since it was set up.
His family has said Andrew is already deeply missed and they expressed, “We love you, Andrew. Rest in peace our handsome angel.”
Numerous officers and other emergency first responders rushed to Andrew’s aid after he was run down on Sunjoy Drive in Hemet. John Strangis photo
UPDATED: 07/19/2016 2:20 p.m. With additional information from Hemet Police Department
Numerous officers flooded into the normally quiet neighborhood after the fatal hit and run. Ricardo Ruelas photo
HEMET – Hemet Police officials are investigating the death of a 17-year-old juvenile who was run down by a vehicle in the 800 Block of Sunjoy Drive near Melissa Drive in Hemet on Monday, July 18.
Sunjoy Drive is a cul-de-sac that ends at the entrance of the Echo Park apartment complex and is located east of Buena Vista Street and north of E. Fruitvale Avenue.
Hemet Police officers and other emergency first responders rushed to the scene of the fatal hit and run that occurred at about 6:30 p.m.
Witnesses at the scene said the victim was in full arrest and emergency first responders were performing CPR on him before paramedics transported him to a local hospital. The victim succumbed to his injuries at the hospital and was pronounced dead by hospital staff.
The victim was transported to a local hospital where he reported died. Aric Bell photo
The victim has not been identified yet. However, a member of his family provided his age in a posting to Facebook. His age was later verified by Hemet Police officials.
After the hit and run, crime scene and homicide investigators were called to the scene to conduct an investigation into the fatal incident.
“It was determined from witness statements that this incident occurred after a verbal altercation between the deceased and possibly two occupants in the vehicle,” according to an official press release from the department. “The vehicle left the area (at) a high rate of speed after the victim was struck.”
“This is an active homicide investigation and Hemet Police detectives are still following up on leads and witness information in an attempt to identify the suspects involved in this case,” the press release explained. “A motive has not been determined.”
A gofundme account has been set up to help the victim’s family with funeral expenses.
Anyone with further information about this case is encouraged to contact Hemet Police Investigator Doug Klinzing at (951) 765-2423.
This is a breaking story. Updates will be provided as they become available.
When officers arrived, they immediately began to cordon off the area with crime scene tape. Aric Bell photo
John Strangis photo
Numerous officers converged on the crime scene. Aric Bell photo
Homicide investigators responded to the hit and run to conduct an investigation into the fatal incident. Will Wheaton photo
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This victim was a neighbor of mine. While I met his mother after her loss, it literally broke my heart!! His little sister was crying in a friends arms and while having lost her big brother, also lost an innocence which will affect her forever! The parents lost their only son who was due to graduate in a couple of weeks. Why these boys did this may never be known, but when you MURDER someone, anyone, you also murder a family, a neighborhood, a city, a school, and a community!! Every time I leave my home, I will remember how this young man was brutally taken from his loving family. My heart goes out to all who knew him and loved him. God had a purpose for this young man and now he is gone! WHY?? Apparently over a dispute that probably would have disappeared, given time. The heartache his family is feeling will ease, in time, but their lives will FOREVER be changed! I beg of you, ALL of you, no more violence!! The perpetrators have families also, who will suffer. Please walk away, as this young victim tried to do when he had his life taken. The two perpetrators should have just driven away… and no one would have been harmed. No families would be suffering. This little 11 year old sister would still have her big brother, and his parents would still have their son!! NOTHING is worth the pain we all feel, even those of us who did not know this young man, except in passing him, while living our lives. God help all the families and friends of everyone involved and think before you act or react. My heart goes out to everyone and I will pray this violence stops!! ITS JUST NOT WORTH IT!! My deepest condolences to the Rodriguez family and may God give you the strength to celebrate all this young man was…he touched many in his short 17 years….God is crying and wrapping his arms around all of you!