PROVO, Utah — One man is dead after being hit by a vehicle in Provo Monday evening, and the driver is now facing criminal charges.
Provo Police said the pedestrian was crossing 920 South at the intersection of 100 West around 6:10 p.m. He was hit by a pickup truck traveling west, then taken to Utah Valley Hospital, where he died from his injuries.
The victim was later identified as 80-year-old Mario Valer, a Provo resident.
Late Monday night, Provo Police announced that they had arrested the driver, 42-year-old Jason Wayne Phillips of Pleasant Grove. Officials say he will be booked on suspicion of automobile homicide and driving under the influence.
Arresting documents state that the officers could smell alcohol on Phillips, his eyes were glossy and bloodshot, and he was slurring his speech. They said he refused to provide a blood sample, so they obtained a warrant for a blood and urine sample. The "instant urine test" came back positive for alcohol, according to police, and he agreed to a breath test after his blood and urine were taken. The test showed a .09 blood alcohol content level, which they said was taken three hours after the incident.
Provo Police spokesperson Janna-Lee Holland said there is no crosswalk at the spot where the victim was crossing. However, the arresting officers said Phillipsshould have been able to see a pedestrian crossing.
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