Man in custody following fatal hit-and-run near 12th & National



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee police say the suspect responsible for the fatal hit-and-run crash that happened near 12th and W. National on Saturday, September 28th is in custody.

According to police, two pedestrians were crossing National Avenue southbound when they were struck by a westbound cargo van.

The van fled after the crash.

39-year-old Juan R. Zapata-Guerrero died as a result of his injuries.  A 42-year-old Milwaukee woman remains hospitalized, recovering from her injuries.

Zapata-Guerrero's wife says he went to a bar to pay someone, and was supposed to be home in an hour -- but he never made it home.

Zapata-Guerrero left behind his wife and three children.

The suspect, a 43-year-old man, drove the van to his home on Milwaukee's south side and parked the van in his garage after the crash.  The suspect turned himself in to Milwaukee police shortly after noon Sunday after he read about the crash on a news ticker on a morning newscast.

Officers have recovered the van.

Through a translator, Maria Carbajal on Monday, September 30th spoke with FOX6 News about the incident, and her husband of 20 years.

"He was a really outgoing person. Great father, great husband. He was always there supporting us -- was always there for us all the time," Carbajal said.

Fred Davis was one of many who stopped to help on Saturday night. Surveillance video taken from Davis' auto body shop captured the hit-and-run.

"We were out here and heard this thump. Walked out and we seen one guy in the street. We tried to help the lady -- was over in that direction, maybe 30 feet away, called 911 -- tried to help out the best way we could," Davis said.

Carbajal says she is happy the driver turned himself in, but says nothing will bring back her husband, and the father of her children.

Police say they expect the District Attorney's Office to begin reviewing the case on Wednesday, October 2nd.  Possible charges include duty upon striking causing death, duty upon striking causing great bodily harm, operating while suspended causing death, and operating while suspended causing great bodily harm.

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