Pasco Hit-And-Run Driver Arrested Wednesday

Early Wenesday morning, Pasco police apprehended 23-year-old Miguel Paniagua at a home in the 1700 block of North 6th Ave.

Around 4am, Pasco police contacted him, and he was arrested in connection with the death of 36-year-old Jason Smith of Kennewick April 2nd.

Paniagua fled from police after they tried to pull him over for a traffic violation near 5th St. and Sylvester around 5:30pm.  Paniagua, driving a white truck, sped away. Police terminated the chase after a few blocks due to traffic safety concerns.  Paniagua continued to speed West on Sylvester before slamming into the side of Smith's car near 36th and Sylvester. Smith died at the hospital, leaving behind a wife and two children.

Paniagua is facing a variety of charges, and likely fled because he was wanted for six outstanding warrants related to numerous previous crimes. He has a criminal record dating back to when he was a juvenile, and is a known gang member.

He is facing vehicular homicide charges from the accident.