Suspect In Fatal Westport Hit And Run Turns Himself Into Police
WESTPORT (CBS) – Gerardo Lugo, a Fall River man who was allegedly behind the wheel during a fatal Westport hit and run, turned himself into police on Wednesday. Police say Lugo apologized to a witness after he hit 30-year-old Stephanie Tripp and then drove off.
Tripp was left at the scene of the May 7 crash in critical condition but later died. Lugo is charged with leaving the scene-death resulting, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, driving with a suspended license and trafficking heroin in excess of 100 grams.
Several days after the crash, Bristol District Attorney Thomas Quinn released a description of Lugo's BMW. It was found and seized thanks to an anonymous tip.
Lugo is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday in Fall River District Court.
"We would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance in helping us solve this tragic case," Quinn said in announcing Lugo's arrest.
Police said Tripp was walking on the side of Old Bedford Road when she was hit. A witness tried to follow Lugo's car, but was unable to as Lugo drove at high speeds while passing cars in the opposite travel lane.
