Clovis police arrest driver in hit-and-run that left pedestrian dead

A driver wanted in connection with an accident that left a pedestrian dead Thursday night in Clovis has been arrested, police said Saturday night.

The suspect was booked Friday into Fresno County jail, Clovis police announced, while providing few additional details. The vehicle involved was towed to check for possible evidence.

Police declined to release the driver’s name, citing the need for follow-up, department spokesman Ty Wood said.

The pedestrian, identified Friday as Rod Lawley, 54, died after being struck shortly after 10 p.m. Thursday along westbound Shaw Avenue, just west of Peach Avenue.

Lawley was pronounced dead at a hospital.. He was believed to have been living in Fresno or Clovis, with addresses tied to both cities.

Detectives, who earlier Friday had appealed to the public for assistance with the investigation, said they identified and located the vehicle and driver with help from surveillance footage in the area.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867.

This story was originally published June 11, 2021 at 10:34 AM.