Driver fled fatal crash near downtown Phoenix because he 'got scared,' doctors say

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Police have arrested a suspected hit-and-run driver after a fatal crash last week near downtown Phoenix.

On Monday, Phoenix police officers announced the arrest of 21-year-old Luis Zuno Ybarra for leaving the scene of a serious injury or fatal accident.

Newly obtained court documents say Ybarra was driving a gray Nissan Sentra when he failed to turn left at an intersection near 19th Avenue and Roosevelt Street.

While turning, he reportedly crashed into a red Dodge Avenger, which lost control, crossed into oncoming traffic and eventually collided with a Datsun pickup truck. A black Jeep Compass then hit the Avenger and the pickup truck before hitting a vehicle parked nearby. After the accident, Ybarra left the scene, according to police.

Video from that night showed an extensive police presence with scattered debris from every vehicle involved and emergency responders trying to help the crash victims.

Several people were injured, including a man later identified as 67-year-old Modesto Cortez, who later died as a result of the accident. Four other people, including two teenagers, were taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Two witnesses told investigators they saw a gray car turning left before the accident. One of them described a driver who matched Ybarra's appearance.

Investigators found videos from nearby businesses that showed the gray Nissan parking at the DQD Demolition building and picking up a man in an orange shirt. Police spoke to a foreman at the construction site who identified the passenger.

At that time, investigators followed up on that passenger's address, located the Nissan and noted damage related to the accident, including the transfer of red paint.

Then investigators knocked on the door and Ybarra answered. He reportedly admitted to driving the Nissan the night before and “driving away because he was scared.” He was arrested and taken to Phoenix police headquarters for questioning.

In an interview with investigators, Ybarra reportedly said he fled because “it was his first accident and he was scared.” He also admitted that he did not have a driver's license.

Ybarra was booked into the Maricopa County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

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