Coatesville man arrested after fatal hit-and-run

EAST GOSHEN >> A Coatesville man who police say fled the scene of a fatal three-vehicle accident on Nov.19 in East Goshen Township has been arrested.

Arnaldo Jose Ortiz, 20, of Victoria Drive, was arrested following an investigation by the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department. Ralph Procopio, 80, of East Goshen, died as a result of injuries in the crash. His 80-year-old wife was injured, and has since been released from the hospital.

Police said the accident occurred when the driver of a Honda Accord, later identified as Ortiz, made a left turn toward Baker Drive from Boot Road and drove into the path of a Toyota Solara, operated by Procopio. After the collision the Solara hit a third vehicle that was stopped at the stop sign o Barker Drive at Boot Road.

Ortiz, who was not properly licensed to operate a motor vehicle, fled the scene on foot before police arrived on scene, and police found no one following a detailed search of the area

Members of the Traffic Safety Unit conducted the scene investigation and the roadway was closed to all traffic for approximately three hours.

Detectives worked throughout the day looking for the driver of the Honda and at 6:50 p.m. the individual appeared at the police department to provide information about the accident.

Based on a detailed investigation by the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department, a warrant of arrest was issued by Magisterial District Judge Tartaglio charging Ortiz in connection with the fatal accident.