Father knew Bradenton hit-and-run suspect fled to Mexico after fatal crash, police say
.jpg "Jose Torres, 59, allegedly told a co-worker his son fled to Mexico following a fatal hit-and-run that killed 26-year-old Clarence Brooks, according to an arrest report.")
The father of the suspect in a deadly hit-and-run helped him flee the country to evade police, according to an arrest report.
Jose Torres, 59, allegedly told a co-worker somebody drove his son, 28-year-old Julio Torres, to Mexico following a crash that killed Clarence Brooks, according to the report. Investigators said that Jose Torres did not specify who transported his son or any other details that would help police locate him.
Police arrested Jose Torres was arrested in January on a felony charge of accessory after the fact for allegedly aiding his son after the crash, the Bradenton Herald previously reported.
A spokesperson for the Bradenton Police Department said they could not confirm if Julio Torres is currently in Mexico or was ever there, only that investigators believe his father, Jose Torres, helped him avoid arrest.
“We are working with local, state and federal partners, and we will follow all tips whether they indicate Julio is in our area or another country,” said Meredith Censullo, a spokesperson for the police department.
Censullo said any information from the public would be helpful in the case as investigators continue their search for Julio Torres.
Julio Torres is wanted on charges of vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a crash involving death and driving with a suspended license. Police say he was speeding northbound on 15th Street West late on Jan. 19 when he lost control of his black sedan, struck a pole and hit Brooks, 26, who was sleeping in a grassy area between the sidewalk and a fence near Salvation Army.
Brooks died at the scene and Julio Torres fled on foot, 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.
