Hopkinsville police arrest man for hit-and-run accident

Hopkinsville Police arrested 23-year-old Jonathan Rivas-Cruz on New Year’s Eve after he was reportedly driving while under the influence and struck a utility pole causing it to fall.

Officers responded to the intersection of Brown Street and East 7th Street for reports of a collision and the caller told officers that the driver fled the scene. Officers then found the vehicle near the scene at a residence on 7th Street.

Rivas-Cruz was located at the residence and reportedly resisted when officer attempted to detain him. He also reportedly smelled like alcohol, was uneasy on his feet, had slurred speech and red glossy eyes.

The caller told officers that Rivas-Cruz caused a collision at the intersection of Thomas Street and North Drive before striking the utility pole.

Rivas-Cruz was charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, first-degree criminal mischief. resisting arrest, leaving the scene of an accident without rendering aid, failure to maintain insurance, having no registration receipt and having no operator’s license.