Man charged for leaving scene of fatal crash said he thought the other driver was leaving, too, police say

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB/Gray News) – A man was arrested after leaving the scene of a fatal crash on Christmas Day, according to authorities in Nebraska.

Grand Island police identified the victim as Thomas Villa-Estrada, 19.

Police said he was driving a silver Dodge Charger when it collided with another vehicle around 3 a.m. on Wednesday.

Officers said the Charger struck a tree, and Villa-Estrada was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said Villa-Estrada’s speed may have been a factor in the crash.

Although no other vehicles were present, investigation revealed a second vehicle was involved in the crash and had left the scene.

Police traced the license plate to Pedro Chavez-Rodriguez, 67.

Police said after they found Chavez-Rodriguez at his home, he confirmed the vehicle was his, but said he left the crash because he thought the other driver was leaving as well.

Police said that Chavez-Rodriguez then presented an international driver’s license, and investigators learned that he did not have driving privileges in the United States.

Chavez-Rodriguez was arrested for not having an operator’s license and leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle collision.