Traveling nurse enters plea in fatal hit and run collision near Fresno State
A traveling nurse from Illinois pleaded not guilty Tuesday to hit and run charges after he struck and killed a 49-year-old man walking near Fresno State on Jan. 25.
Prosecutor Lisa Urrizola said the defendant, Kevin Polidario, 30, had just completed a 13-hour shift and was on his way home at about 8:30 p.m. when he hit Donald Roberts, a husband, and father of two.
Roberts was also on his way home from work. He worked two jobs and used the city bus for transportation. After stepping off the bus, Roberts walked towards his Cedar Commons Apartment unit when he was hit by Polidario’s vehicle, headed west on Bullard Avenue.
“He (Polidario) left the scene, went home, texted his roommate, and he and the roommate went back to the scene,” Urrizola said.
Polidario’s attorney Dan Baco argued that his client had no reason to leave the scene. He has a valid driver’s license, is fully insured, and has no criminal record or outstanding warrants.
“So the issue is was he aware that he hit something,” Bacon said
Fresno police interviewed Polidario and determined he did not appear to be under the influence.
Roberts was transported to Community Regional Medical Center with major injuries, including brain trauma. He died several days later after being taken off of life support.
Polidario remains out on $7,500 bail. His next court appearance is June. 21 in Dept. 33.
This story was originally published April 5, 2022 at 3:53 PM.
