Driver charged in deadly hit-and-run with pedestrian in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City - A man without a valid driver's license, accused of hitting and fatally injuring a pedestrian in a crosswalk and then fleeing the scene, is now facing criminal charges. Jose Guadalupe Salazar, 34, was charged last Thursday with leaving the scene of a deadly accident, a third-degree felony, as well as driving with a suspended license, operating an unregistered vehicle, and driving without insurance, all misdemeanors. The incident occurred on Dec. 2 when Alan Blackburn, 62, was struck and killed by an SUV while crossing Redwood Road at North Temple. Law enforcement used license plate readers to identify the owner of the SUV, who claimed to have sold the vehicle but left the plates on it. Further investigation revealed that Salazar had been driving the vehicle without a valid license, insurance, or registration at the time of the accident. Detectives obtained warrants for Salazar's cellphone data, which placed him in the area of the accident on the night of the incident. Additionally, Salazar had outstanding warrants for previous offenses and a history of traffic violations. Prosecutors argue that Salazar has repeatedly shown a disregard for traffic laws and the legal system.