AZ man accused of trying to trade in car after fatal hit-and-run pleads guilty to manslaughter
By APTuesday, July 6, 2010
Phoenix man pleads guilty in fatal hit-and-run
PHOENIX — A Phoenix man accused of trying to use the government’s Cash for Clunkers program to ditch his BMW after a fatal hit-and-run crash last year has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Maricopa County prosecutors say 24-year-old Timothy M. Kissida was driving his luxury car shortly after midnight Aug. 8 when he hit a bicyclist. Phoenix police say 52-year-old Charles Waldrop’s bike had lights and reflectors.
Later that day, Kissida allegedly tried to use the Cash for Clunkers program, aimed at putting more fuel-efficient cars on the road, to trade in his car. Police say he told a dealer his BMW was damaged when he hit a javelina, a pig-like desert mammal.
Kissida was arrested after a tip to police.
He also pleaded guilty Tuesday to leaving the scene of an accident and tampering with evidence. A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.
Information from: The Arizona Republic, www.azcentral.com
