Correctional Officer Arrested In Deadly Elk Grove Hit-And-Run Crash
ELK GROVE (CBS13) – A suspect in a deadly hit and run turns himself into police, and it turns out he's also a youth correctional officer.
The horrific scene on Laguna Boulevard unraveled in broad daylight. Police said a driver lost control and hit a Prius, instantly killing a man and injuring three others.
One of those injured was 39-year-old Rajnel Nath who police now say was driving drunk.
The crash happened back on July 8, but Nath wasn't charged or arrested till Tuesday.
"Accidents happen, but the real tragedy is when he didn't turn himself in," said T Turner of Elk Grove.
Investigators said they were building a case that didn't just begin and end at the fatal crash, but actually started down the street at a pizza restaurant.
"With the information that was obtained from various sources and presented there was a very clear and detailed timeline," said Officer Chris Trim with Elk Grove Police.
Witness say Nath was drinking at the Chicago Fire Pizza restaurant on Laguna Boulevard earlier that day and smashed into a parked car there before leaving the parking lot. Then less than a mile away, police say Nath hit and killed 63 year old Jeffrey Fields.
"It may seem like it's a lengthy period of time, but in the world of police work we want to make sure that we have a nice thorough methodical approach and a complete package before we just arbitrarily arrest someone," Trim said.
Nath is no stranger to the legal system. He has worked at a Stockton Youth Correctional facility since 2000 as a correctional officer. People we spoke with say there's no excuse for drinking and driving.
"The same people are in jail who he's watching for that kind of stuff and then he goes and does that, he knows better," Turner said.
Nath is charged with gross vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence causing death, and hit and run of property damage.
He is being held on a $450,000 bond.
