Albuquerque, N.M. –
In a release from a FBI spokesman they have announced the arrest of Sergio Almanza, the individual suspected of a hit and run, killing a seven-year-old boy in December.
Sergio Almanza surrendered and was arrested by the United States Marshals Service-Southwest Investigative Task Force (USMS-SWIFT) on January 31, 2022.
“Taking this defendant into custody is a testament to great teamwork with all our partners and our hope is that it will give the victim’s family a sense of peace,” said Sonya K. Chavez, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico. “Sadly, nothing will ever bring their son back, but our hope is that they will find some
comfort,” she added.
Almanza is suspected in the fatal hit-and-run that killed seven-year-old Pronoy Bhattacharya.
On December 12, 2021, Bhattacharya was with his family as they walked inside the crosswalk at Central Ave. and Tingley Dr S.W., after attending the River of Lights show, at the Albuquerque BioPark.
Albuquerque Police Department Investigators determined Almanza was driving an illegal off-road vehicle along Central Avenue as he sped through a red light and struck Bhattacharya and his father.
The fugitive apprehension case was recently turned over to the United States Marshals Service.
Crime Stoppers also played a pivotal role, by generating tips from the public that enabled investigators to identify Almanza as the suspect.
The arrest is the result of joint efforts involving the USMS-SWIFT, including the Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, the New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Department of Corrections-Probation & Parole (STIU), and the United States Marshals Service.