Middletown Seeks More Information On Fatal Hit-And-Run

MIDDLETOWN, RI — Middletown police on Tuesday released additional information on a dark-colored sedan whose driver is wanted for questioning in connection to a fatal hit-and-run crash on West Main Road on May 22.

The driver of that car is believed to have been in the area when a cyclist was struck southbound on West Main Road before the driver sped away.

Police released additional information on Tuesday that the dark-colored sedan was also seen speeding through Portsmouth into Middletown just prior to the crash.

Elias Velasquez Chavez, 40, of Newport, was riding his bicycle on West Main Road when he was killed. The vehicle suspected of hitting Chavez was not at the scene when police arrived.

Police said the crash occurred about 11:15 p.m. Video surveillance then showed the driver turning around in a Burger King parking lot and heading north on West Main Road as the sedan sped through Middletown back into Portsmouth.

Anyone who might have seen the car speeding in the area between 11 p.m. and midnight that night is asked to contact the Middletown Police Department Detective Division at 401-846-1144 or the anonymous tip line at 401-842-6516.