APD Names Suspect in Deadly Hit-and-Run that Killed Beloved Cyclist

Albuquerque –

The Albuquerque Police Department has issued a warrant for the arrest of 24-year-old Jose Ivan Rios Sanchez, who is now facing charges in a fatal hit-and-run accident. Authorities have charged Rios Sanchez with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death and Careless Driving.

On January 19, 2025, at approximately 4:07 PM, a fatal hit-and-run collision occurred at 3524 Kathryn Ave SE. A White Dodge Ram 1500 fatally struck a bicyclist, later identified as Charles Malagodi, and fled the scene.

Malagodi was very active in the cycling scene and gave many volunteer hours to people in Albuquerque.

According to new information released by APD, witnesses stated they observed the driver of the truck narrowly miss a collision with another vehicle before losing control and almost driving into a park. Shortly after, they saw the driver continue eastbound on Kathryn and strike the bicyclist. 

The driver then was seen fleeing the area after driving around the bicyclist lying in the road. The license plate was captured on photos provided to officers and they were able to track the vehicle to Sanchez. Through surveillance video of the driver, investigators were able to tie Sanchez to the scene of the crash. The following morning, at approximately 3:00 AM, officers from the APD’s Southeast Area Command located the vehicle.

Sanchez is currently wanted. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call (505)-242-COPS or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (505)843-STOP (7867) or p3tips.com/531.

You can read our previous coverage on this hit-and-run crash below:

*ABQRAW is not liable for rewards or the terms and conditions governing Crime Stoppers reward payouts.