An Elkhart County judge has found probable cause for the arrest of a 20-year-old Elkhart man accused in a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a 56-year-old pedestrian.
Hugo Loza Jr. appeared before a judicial officer on Friday, Aug. 7, who found probable cause for his arrest on preliminary charges of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, a Level 4 felony, and two Level 6 felony counts of operating while intoxicated with a prior conviction, including one alleging a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.
Court records show Loza’s bond was set at $300,000. His initial hearing is scheduled for Aug. 21. The case has been forwarded to the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office for review of formal charges.
The investigation stems from a crash shortly after 10:20 p.m. on Aug. 5 in the 2200 block of South Main Street. Elkhart police responding to the scene found an unresponsive man lying alongside the roadway. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
The victim was later identified as 56-year-old Jose Padilla Redondo of Elkhart after family members were notified.
Investigators say a southbound Chevrolet Silverado struck the pedestrian and continued driving. Officers later located the pickup in the 24000 block of County Road 26 and arrested Loza.
The Elkhart Police Department said the investigation has been submitted to the prosecutor for review. Under Indiana law, criminal charges remain allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
