Debora Lopez, FOX 4 Photo
Saturday night near 8pm seven-year-old Debora Lopez (also reported as Devora) was crossing the street with her grandmother when she was struck by a black Dodge Durango. The Durango fled the scene. A second car later hit the victim, but did stop and render aid. The accident occurred at the 2700 block of West Northwest Highway near Bachman Lake. The investigation was bolstered by witnesses and video that partially captured the incident. Police identified Juan Francisco Salazar, age 34, as a suspect on Sunday and officially arrested him yesterday.
Juan Salazar, FOX 4 Photo
Salazar has previously been convicted of a myriad of crimes including: robbery, assault, fleeing police and driving while intoxicated. He could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for his part in Debora’s death.
Debora’s grandmother who was with her at the time of the accident, was not injured. Debora’s death comes on the anniversary of her mother’s passing which was on the same date a few years before. FOX News reports that the bereaved grandmother is “heartbroken over the loss.”
