Bradenton man charged with helping son avoid arrest in fatal hit-and-run, police say
As Bradenton police continue their search for the suspect in a deadly hit-and-run crash, they say they’ve arrested the driver’s father for allegedly aiding in his escape.
Jose Torres, 59, faces a felony charge of accessory after the fact. Investigators say he knew his son, 28-year-old Julio Torres, had committed a felony and helped him evade arrest following Saturday’s fatal crash.
The Bradenton Police Department says they are still searching for Julio Torres, who is wanted on charges of vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a crash involving death and driving with a suspended license.
Police say Julio Torres was speeding in a black sedan northbound on 15th Street when he lost control of his car, struck a pole and then hit and killed 26-year-old Clarence Brooks, who was sleeping in a grassy area near the sidewalk and a fence near Salvation Army.
The crash happened on Saturday at around 11: 30 p.m. along 15th Street West between 12th Avenue West and 14th Avenue West, the Bradenton Herald previously reported.
Julio Torres ran away from the scene following the crash, police said.
The black sedan involved in the crash has been recovered and investigators are analyzing it for evidence, police said.
Anyone with information about the case can contact the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at manateecrimestoppers.com, where a reward of up to $3,000 may be available.
This story was originally published January 22, 2025 at 11:46 AM.
