TAFT, Calif. — Authorities have identified the motorcyclist who was killed in a hit-and-run collision Sunday morning in Taft. According to the Kern County Coroner’s Office, the victim was Joe Paul M. Gongora Jr., 47, of Taft.
Gongora was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound on Kern Street when he was struck by a white Chevrolet Silverado making a left turn from westbound Kern Street, officials said. The crash occurred in the 1000 block of Kern Street, and Gongora was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:43 a.m. on July 27.
The driver of the pickup truck fled the scene, prompting a search by law enforcement.
Alejandro Padilla Jr., 48, was later identified by the Taft Police Department as the suspected driver of the Silverado. A warrant was issued for his arrest.
On Tuesday, Padilla surrendered to authorities by appearing at Kern County Superior Court with his attorney. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run causing death and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
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