FRESNO (KMJ) — The California Highway Patrol has confirmed that the suspect in the Gavin Gladding hit and run visited an area known for underage drinking shortly before the fatal crash in Northeast Fresno.
Investigators have established that Rogelio Alvarez-Maravilla was on Sky Harbour Road, near Millerton Lake and Table Mountain Casino, in the hours before the collision on Sunday September 16th. The suspect was arrested the following Friday.
“Due to the time frame from the time of the traffic collision occurring to our time getting him into custody, a blood alcohol test is not possible – it wouldn’t be relevant,” explained CHP Sergeant Dave Salcido the evening of the arrest.
Sky Harbour Road is considered a teenage hangout by law enforcement, and receives regular patrols from Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
“A lot of times boyfriends, girlfriends, will go up there,” explained the Sherrif’s Office’s Tony Botti. “It’s a make-out spot, maybe a place to do some drinking. That sort of thing.
“It’s been known for many years to both the public and law enforcement as a place to go to be secluded and create your own party.”
Botti confirmed that there have been reports of underage drinking on Sky Harbour Road.
“We do come across that stuff from time to time, but more or less we’re concerned about making sure that nobody is behind the wheel in an impaired state.”
The Fort Washington Elementary School Vice Principal was killed when he was hit by a truck while out jogging close to Friant and Copper in Fresno. Suspect Rogelio Alvarez-Maravilla has since bailed out of jail. Charges include vehicular manslaughter, felony hit and run, and driving without a license.
The 18 year old’s court date is set for October 5th.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
