Springfield man charged in deadly hit-and-run crash on South End Bridge

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A Springfield man has been arrested in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash involving a motorcycle on Route 57's South End Bridge last week. According to the Hampden District Attorney's Office, police were initially called at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, regarding a report that a car had struck a motorcycle on the South End Bridge. The motorcyclist suffered serious injuries and was taken to Baystate Medical Center, where he later died. The victim has been identified as 39-year-old Miguel Cruz of Springfield. According to witnesses, the driver of the car involved in the crash stopped after the collision. A passenger then got out of the vehicle, got onto the motorcycle, and drove away, followed by the car. Following an investigation, law enforcement identified 25-year-old Johnathan Rivera of Springfield as a suspect in connection with the crash. Rivera was arrested on Monday and arraigned on Tuesday in Springfield District Court. He is charged with motor vehicle homicide and carjacking. Court officials ordered Rivera held on $1.5 million bail. He is scheduled to return to court in Springfield on June 9. The investigation remains ongoing and is being conducted by the Hampden District Attorney's State Police Detective Unit and Murder Unit.