Suspect in deadly hit-and-run arrested at airport after waiting to board a plane for Houston

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - According to updated reports, the suspect identified in a deadly hit-and-run was arrested as he waited to board a flight to Texas. 

The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Salvador Banales, has been charged with seven felonies and one misdemeanor in connection with the deadly car crash that killed 27-year-old Brandon Breedlove. The incident, which happened on Saturday, March 9th at 2:00 a.m., involved three pedestrians that were injured in the hit-and-run. Breedlove along with the two other victims were transported to a local hospital. The other two were listed in stable condition, but Breedlove has been pronounced dead. 

According to court documents, Banales allegedly struck Breedlove and the other two pedestrians near Massachusetts Avenue and College Avenue. Almost immediately, detectives were able to determine that a red 2020-2022 Ford Mustang was the vehicle that caused the crash, thanks to debris that was left behind. 

Police said that later in the day they received a phone call from a person saying that their rental car had been vandalized. That person was reportedly Banales. Banales told police that his 2022 Ford Mustang was hit between 8:00 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. while he was at a bar.

Banales then told police that he was reporting the incident for insurance purposes and that he was set to fly to Houston, Texas. After inspecting the vehicle at the airport, detectives secured it once realizing that the damage to the car was beyond vandalism. 

Further examination uncovered blood and human tissue on the passenger side of the car, which matched surveillance video of the hit-and-run. Court documents show that detectives had enough evidence to find probable cause to find Banales and arrest him. During questioning, Banales reportedly told police that he was in town for a work convention and that while out of Friday night, he had three beers. 

He admitted to police that he had "hit something" and "continued to drive." He said, "I should've stopped. Just left. Didn't think about it. Was just scared for what I'd done. Just made some bad decisions." Court documents stated that Banales said he didn't have any more to drink after the crash, but police noted that "even thirteen hours after the crash, Mr. Banales' breath and body ordor smelled strongly of alcohol during the interview."

Breedlove was described by a great person and loyal friend. Peyton O'Brien said, "He was a great guy all around. He had so many friends but always showed up for all of them. He loved my daughter. He loved my dog Kodak. He had his own dog named Pacer after the Indiana Pacers because he loves Indy and basketball. He took Pacer with him literally everywhere, that was his child. I know Brandon had future hopes for a wife and kids of his own one day. It's awful we've lost such a good and supportive friend."

Breedlove was an Air Force veteran and is said to have dedicated his life to helping others. One of his friends, Kelsie Mobley said, "I hope he's remembered for being so selfless and someone that thought about everyone else before himself." She added, "I just want everyone to know Brandon was one of the best people I've ever known in my entire life."

Councilor Jesse Brown issued a statement in which he said, in part, "My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Brandon James Breedlove, as well as to the two people who were injured, and I wish them strength and comfort during this time."

Included in the charges that Banales faces are leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, leaving the scene of an accident causing serious bodily injury, causing catastrophic bodily injury when operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and false informing. 

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Lt. Shane Foley said in a statement, "In this case the suspect knew what he had done and left the scene. This individual should have stopped and done what was right and he didn't. At the same time, we're thankful for the work of officers and detectives."
 
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