Deadly hit-and-run suspect's father arrested, son still on the run: BPD

The Bradenton Police Department says it has arrested the father of a man wanted in a deadly hit-and-run investigation.

Jose Torres, 59, faces a charge of accessory after the fact.

Hit-and-run leads to suspect search

The backstory:

BPD said Julio Torres, 28, was speeding in a black Infiniti sedan on 15th St. W last Saturday night when he veered off the road, hitting and killing Clarence Brooks, 26, who was lying in a grassy area.

Torres then got out of the car and ran away, detectives said.

Investigators released photos of Torres earlier this week in hopes of tracking him down.

Photo of Julio Torres. Courtesy: Bradenton Police Dept.

Photo of Julio Torres. Courtesy: Bradenton Police Dept.

"His priority was protecting himself, and we're not OK with that," BPD Public Information Officer Meredith Censullo said. "The victim was down on his luck perhaps, but that doesn't mean his life isn't important."

Arrest of Jose Torres

What we know:

BPD announced the arrest of Jose Torres on Wednesday, saying he knew his son had committed a felony and was helping him avoid arrest.

Mugshot of Jose Torres. Courtesy: Bradenton Police Dept.

Mugshot of Jose Torres. Courtesy: Bradenton Police Dept.

Julio Torres wanted

Big picture view:

Julio Torres faces charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving death and driving with a suspended license.

What you can do:

Anyone with information on Julio Torres is urged to contact the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300, or submit an anonymous tip at manateecrimestoppers.com.

A $3,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest.

The Source: This story was written using information from the Bradenton Police Department and previous FOX 13 reports.

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