In a tragic turn of events, a man lost his life while changing a tire on a Denver highway, and now police have apprehended the driver believed responsible for the deadly collision.
According to CBS News, a 29-year-old woman, Marisol Infante, has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident on I-25 in Denver, where she allegedly struck and killed 52-year-old Carlos Mercado Arzola before fleeing the scene.
The incident unfolded on the morning of July 5, just after 7 a.m. It took place in the southbound lanes of I-25 near 6th Avenue, not far from the West Alameda Avenue exit. This busy stretch of highway became the site of a devastating loss.
Carlos Mercado Arzola, a 52-year-old man, was tending to a flat tire on the right shoulder of the interstate. In an instant, his routine task turned fatal as a vehicle struck him. The impact claimed his life at the scene. The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner later confirmed Arzola’s identity. His presence on the shoulder, a place meant for emergencies, offered no protection from the tragedy that unfolded. The loss has left a void for those who knew him.
According to investigators, the driver did not stop after the collision. Leaving the scene without providing aid or information is against Colorado law. This act of evasion compounded the gravity of the event.
The driver’s decision to flee prompted swift action from authorities. Police began a search for the person responsible for Arzola’s death. The investigation gained urgency as details emerged about the crash. To aid in locating the suspect, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation issued a Medina Alert. This alert system is designed to notify the public about hit-and-run incidents involving serious injury or death. It aimed to bring attention to the case and encourage tips.
Days after the crash, a breakthrough came in the investigation. The suspect, later identified as Marisol Infante, made a critical decision. She turned herself in to the authorities, marking a significant development in the case.
Infante, 29, surrendered early Wednesday morning at the Boulder Police Department. While the exact date of her surrender was not specified, her action brought a potential resolution to the search. Police took her into custody following her arrival.
An arrest affidavit detailed her involvement in the incident. Infante is accused of striking Arzola and then driving away without stopping. Her decision to leave the scene violated legal obligations to remain and assist. The arrest of Infante offers a step toward accountability for Arzola’s death. However, it cannot undo the loss experienced by his loved ones. The case continues to unfold as legal proceedings begin.
Hit-and-run incidents carry serious legal repercussions in Colorado. Drivers are required by law to stop, render aid, and provide information after a collision. Infante’s alleged failure to do so could result in significant penalties. The investigation into the crash remains active as authorities piece together the full circumstances. Details about Infante’s actions before and after the incident are still under review. Police aim to ensure all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined. For Arzola’s family and friends, the arrest may bring a sense of closure, though the pain of his loss lingers. The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced on highways. It highlights the importance of driver responsibility.
Incidents like this one underscore the risks of roadside emergencies. Changing a tire or addressing vehicle issues on a highway shoulder can be perilous. Drivers passing by must remain vigilant to avoid such heartbreaking outcomes. The location of the crash, near a busy exit on I-25, adds to the concern. High traffic volumes in the area increase the likelihood of accidents. Authorities often urge caution in such zones to prevent further incidents.
As the case against Infante progresses, the community mourns Arzola’s untimely death. His story is a call to action for safer driving practices. It also emphasizes the need for awareness when vehicles are stopped on the roadside.
The hit-and-run on I-25 has left an indelible mark on Denver. Residents and officials alike are reminded of the fragility of life in such situations. Conversations about highway safety are likely to gain momentum. While Infante’s arrest marks a key moment, the legal process is just beginning. Charges and potential sentencing will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation. The outcome will be closely watched by many.
For now, the focus remains on remembering Carlos Mercado Arzola. His life was cut short in a preventable tragedy. The hope is that his story will inspire greater care on the roads to protect others in the future.