http://www.svherald.com/articles/2006/06/26/local_news/news3.txt

Still seeking suspect in ‘cold-blooded’ hit-and-run accident

By Karen Weil

Herald/Review

Investigators are now looking for a new suspect in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident, a representative with the state Department of Public Safety said Sunday.

The DPS has determined that a Tucson man was not the person who struck and killed a male Mexican national, believed to be an illegal immigrant, Friday evening on Interstate 10.

According to the DPS, the description of the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run matches the run vehicle, but the damaged parts do not match.

On Friday near the Benson highway exit, the U.S. Border Patrol attempted to stop a pickup truck — later found to hold between 15 and 20 passengers — heading west on I-10. At 8:57 p.m., the truck pulled onto a median at mile post 303, and a person jumped out and ran into traffic. A blue sedan struck the man but did not stop.

Authorities arrested 21-year-old Bradley J. Knippa early Saturday morning on a driving-under-the-influence charge. He was initially suspected of involvement in the hit-and-run accident.

An official with the Pima County Adult Detention Center said Knippa was still in custody as of Sunday afternoon, and was still being held on a $250,000 secured bond.

James M. Oien, DPS public information officer, said if the person responsible for the hit-and-run is found, he or she will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Oien said.

“Unless someone comes forward with some information on this blue car, it’s going to be tough to find a suspect,” Oien said.

“Obviously this person knew they hit this guy, and there’s a possibility they may have run over him. You would have seen him, unless you’re totally asleep. Whoever hit this person was pretty cold-blooded, in my opinion.”

Regardless of the victim’s immigration status, he was “still a human being,” Oien added.

State law says anyone involved in such an incident must stop, said Oien, who added the victim has still not been identified.

Anyone with information about the accident should call the DPS at (602) 223-2212.

Herald/Review Lifestyle Editor Karen Weil can be reached at 515-4620, or by e-mail at karen.weil@svherald.com.