ST. CROIX — Police on Monday arrested a Hispanic male in connection with the Sunday night accident that resulted in the death of 5-year-old Penelope Tutein.
V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte said Wednesday that 43-year-old Marcos Arroyo-Torres, the driver of the S-10 Chevrolet pickup truck that collided with the Dodge Durango carrying four individuals, including Penelope, was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide and manslaughter, negligent driving and failure to stay as far left as possible.
Asked whether Mr. Arroyo-Torres was under the influence of alcohol during the accident, Mr. Dratte said V.I.P.D. investigators were still probing the matter.
According to Mr. Dratte, the call reporting the accident was received by 911 at about 7:33 p.m. Sunday. He said a brown Dodge Durango was traveling east on Hope Road, and a brown Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck was traveling west, when the two vehicles collided, causing the Durango to flip.
The four passengers in the Dodge Durango included a mother, her son, daughter, and her 12-year-old niece, according to updated information provided to The Consortium. The daughter was trapped underneath the Durango, however she was rescued by first responders, according to police. She later succumbed to her injuries at the Juan F. Luis Hospital in the early morning hours of Monday. The male driver of the S-10 was injured as well, Mr. Dratte said.
A Consortium reporter traveled to the scene Sunday night and saw the Durango flipped on its side, with the S-10 further off in the distance on Hope Road. Police cordoned off the area, and officers were stationed on both sides of the road redirecting traffic.
Mr. Arroyo-Torres was released after posting $25,000 bond.
Feature Image: Memorial at site of accident for Penelope Tutein. (VIC)
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