GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In Grand Rapids, felony charges have been filed against a man allegedly involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred in March on South Division Avenue.

What happened?

Luis Angel Otanez-Castillo, who authorities say is in the U.S. illegally, is accused of hitting a pedestrian after leaving a bar. According to Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker, Otanez-Castillo is currently not in custody, and there are suspicions that he may have fled the state.

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Wood-TV reports that charges against Otanez-Castillo include reckless driving causing death and failing to stop at the scene of an accident when at fault, both of which are felonies carrying a potential 15-year sentence.

Court records reveal that a damaged Honda Pilot, traced back to Otanez-Castillo, was found at a repair shop in Wyoming. Despite telling the shop owner that he hit a deer, evidence suggests otherwise.

Who is the victim?

The vehicle involved in the crash was reportedly traveling at speeds exceeding the posted limit, resulting in the death of 53-year-old Roberto Delgado who was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no witnesses but there were pieces of a headlamp left behind.

A man who lives in the area told FOX 17 about Delgado, “He did a lot for the community. We would go pick up trash and everything.” Robert’s son, who is also named Robert, set up a GoFundMe site here for the family.

Delgado was struck while crossing the street just after 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 10th and was thrown dozens of feet after bouncing off the hood of the car and hitting the windshield. Despite the severity of the collision, the driver made no attempt to stop or render aid.

Investigation led to Otanez-Castillo.

Investigations into the incident revealed many pieces of evidence, including debris from the vehicle and surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Video footage showed Delgado entering the crosswalk just moments before being hit by the northbound vehicle. Despite his attempt to avoid the oncoming car, Delgado was struck and fatally injured.

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Further investigation led to the identification of Otanez-Castillo, a Dominican immigrant, as the suspect. Tips from the public, along with surveillance footage from a local establishment, provided crucial evidence linking him to the crime. Additionally, a deportation order found in his vehicle.

Otanez-Castillo, found to be an illegal immigrant, had orders for deportation.

It has been discovered that Otanez-Castillo had entered the U.S. illegally in November of 2022 in Arizona and was given a notice to appear to Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Detroit but he didn’t show up. Subsequently, a Detroit judge ordered his removal. Despite this and his current charges, he continues to remain at large, with efforts underway to locate and apprehend him by Grand Rapids police and the ERO in Detroit.

Grand Rapids has been the scene of other high profile murders recently involving illegal immigrants including the murders of Ruby Garcia and Leah Gomez.