Suspect in fatal hit-and-run accident had suspended driver’s license

Jan.

11--A man charged with fleeing the scene of a fatal hit-and-run collision Monday night in Joplin was driving without a license, according to police. The Jasper County prosecutor's office filed charges Thursday on Ruben R. Blanco, 49, for leaving the scene of an accident on West Seventh Street that claimed the life of 55-year-old Eva M.

Havelock, of Joplin. Havelock was crossing the street on foot about 6:05 p.m. Monday when a Ford Explorer eastbound in the inside lane struck her near the crosswalk of the offset intersection with Gray Avenue.

She died of her injuries Tuesday at a local hospital. Police found a front grille with a Ford emblem and a headlight assembly at the scene. The headlight assembly had a parts number that came back on the year, make and model of Blanco's Ford Explorer.

Acting on a lead, investigators located the suspect vehicle Wednesday and arrested Blanco after obtaining information that confirmed he was driving the vehicle at the time. His Explorer purportedly was missing its front grille and driver's side headlight assembly. A probable-cause affidavit filed with the charges states that Blanco's driver's license issued in California had been revoked.

The document further states that he has a prior conviction for leaving the scene of an accident in May 2002 in California. The prosecutor's office charged Blanco with a felony count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in a death and a misdemeanor count of driving while revoked. Blanco remained in custody Thursday with his bond set at £100,000, including a £50,000 cash requirement.

The judge who signed his arrest warrant also attached requirements that if the defendant does make bail, he is prohibited from driving and must wear an ankle monitor.