Suspect ID’d in fatal hit-and-run crash

State Police have identified a suspect in a deadly hit and run crash on Christmas Eve in Westbrook.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Jose “Fernando” Meraz-Balico, 35, who troopers said fatally injured John Ingalls, a 39year-old Ivoryton man, who was struck while riding his bicycle on Spencer Plain Road.

Investigators determined that Ingalls had been struck from behind by a driver who fled the scene.

Ingalls died four days later of his injuries.

“During the course of the investigation, troopers developed information which led to the issuance of the arrest warrant for Meraz-Balico for manslaughter with a motor vehicle, evading responsibility and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” state police said.

Troopers said MerazBalico has ties to Westbrook and Deep River, but may have been traveling to New York or the Carolinas.

“It’s also believed MerazBalico

could have fled to the country of Honduras,” troopers said.

Ingalls’ mother Maggie and stepfather Sinco Steendam, said their son was an organ donor.

“In the middle of our worst nightmare we have found redemption with John’s Christmas gifts of life for others.”

Since he was an organ donor, Ingalls “has been able to help others lead a healthier and more fulfilling life.”

The Steendams said “the law enforcement and judicial system will take care to serve John justice.”

Ingalls was recalled by family and friends as a fan of pizza who also loved movies and enjoyed Pepperidge Farm Nantucket and Milano cookies, according to his obituary.

“He would build swing sets for children who he loved and would tend to blowing leaves in the dark by wearing a headlamp,” his obituary said. He loved the person who sold him cookies and would chase his ‘person mechanic’ because he needed his car fixed as soon as possible.”