Modesto CHP reports arrest in April 1 hit and run that killed Patterson man
The California Highway Patrol reported Friday that it had arrested a suspect in the April 1 hit-and-run that claimed the life of a Patterson man.
The Modesto Area CHP posted on Facebook that it had arrested Delhi resident Jesus Antonio Flores, 20, in the death of Frankie Sanchez, 51, of Patterson.
Flores was booked at the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on Thursday, according to records on the center’s website, on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter. He remained in custody mid-Saturday morning.
Sanchez was riding his bicycle westbound on Marshall Road approaching Tulip Avenue just before 7 p.m. on April 1 when he was stuck from behind. The area is several miles southeast of Patterson.
The CHP reported in its Facebook post that Flores was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado and allegedly left the scene after striking Sanchez.
The CHP reported authorities received several tips and one of them led the CHP to Flores.
“The Modesto Area CHP would like to thank everyone who reached out to us regarding this tragic incident,” the Facebook post states. “Your involvement was instrumental in the apprehension of Jesus Antonio Flores.
“Frankie will be missed by so many. The CHP would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the Sanchez Family and everyone who had the honor to know ‘Chunks.’”
Sanchez’s family has started a GoFundMe campaign to cover his funeral expenses and for the support of his five children, raising nearly $24,000, well beyond the family’s goal of $10,000.
“We want to thank everyone for their generous donations toward our beloved Frankie,” a family member wrote. “It’s comforting to see all the love that people have for him & the various connections he shared with so many people.
“We surpassed our goal and we are greatly appreciative of your kind words and support during this very difficult time for us. We plan to hold a celebration of life for Frankie. We are hoping for June on his birthday but the date is tentative due to the covid-19 quarantine in place at the moment. We will keep everyone updated on his services. God bless you all.”
Sanchez was a longtime security guard at the Turlock Poker Room and The Rail Bar & Lounge, according to a post on the poker room’s Facebook page.
This story was originally published April 10, 2020 at 10:55 AM.
