Driver accused of hitting pedestrian and fleeing in Spanish Fork arrested

SPANISH FORK — A woman who police say hit and critically injured a 25-year-old man while driving in Spanish Fork, and then went to a fast food restaurant before going home, has been arrested.

Maria Del Rocio Morales Ruvalcaba, 51, of Fairview, was booked into the Utah County Jail on Tuesday for investigation of leaving the scene of an accident causing serious injury.

On Nov. 4, a man was crossing 800 East and 300 North with three family members just before 6 p.m. when he was hit by a van.

"The victim was nearly across the roadway when he was struck by the northbound vehicle. The suspect vehicle did not stop and is described as possibly a white van," Spanish Fork police stated shortly after the incident.

The man was taken to Utah Valley Hospital and remained in critical condition as of Tuesday, according to police.

Detectives began collecting surveillance video from nearby residences and businesses and located footage of the van driving north on 800 East and turning right on 800 North.

"The vehicle is seen crossing the intersection of U.S. 6 and Expressway Lane. You then see the vehicle in the drive-thru of a fast food business," according to a police booking affidavit. "Detectives responded to that business and were provided with security footage of the vehicle. Footage shows the vehicle in the drive-thru where the driver orders food."

Investigators noted that the van had a "pushed in" mirror on the passenger side and "the bottom passenger corner of the windshield is broken," the affidavit states.

Police were able to get a partial license plate number from the video and then conduct a records check and match it with a Dodge Caravan that fit the description of the driver's vehicle.

On Tuesday, detectives located the vehicle and found a green piece of fabric and hair on the van where the victim was allegedly hit, and confirmed the man was wearing a green top that night, according to the affidavit.

Officers then went to Morales' work to question her.

"During the interview, Maria admitted to being involved in an accident but stated she thought she had hit a bicycle. Maria admitted not stopping and leaving the scene. Maria stated she then went to a nearby business and then went home," the affidavit states.

In 2011, Morales was convicted of failing to observe a barricade, driving on the wrong side of the road and not having a valid license, all misdemeanors, according to Utah court records.