$500K Bail for Pasco Hit-And-Run Driver

23-year-old Miguel Paniagua made an appearance Thursday in Franklin County Superior Court, after being arrested yesterday in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident in Pasco.

Paniagua, who likely fled from police April 2 because he had numerous outstanding warrants, was arraigned on four felonies, including vehicular homicide.  His bail was set at $500,000 by the judge.

He also had a public defender appointed to represent him. He was captured at a friend's house after police had been seeking him since the fatal accident April 2nd.  Pasco police tried to pull him over due to a traffic infraction around 5:30pm near 5th and Sylvester, but he fled in a white truck.

Despite police calling off the pursuit due to safety concerns after a few blocks, investigators say Paniagua was traveling nearly 6o mph when he slammed into the car driven by 36-year-old Jason Smith.  Smith died from his injuries sustained near 36th and Sylvester.

No mention was made by authorities if additional arrests were made Wednesday for those who had been allowing Paniagua to stay with them as he evaded police.