Arrest Made In Hit-And-Run That Left Motorist With 'Significant' Injuries In Newport Beach

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — After several months of investigation, the Newport Beach Police Department arrested a man wanted for "significantly" injuring a motorcyclist with his jeep and fleeing the scene in 2022.

47-year-old Nery Lopez, of Cudahy, was arrested April 14 on charges that include one felony count of driving under the influence while causing injury, one felony count of hit-and-run with injury, four misdemeanor hit-and-run and one count of driving without a valid driver's license.

Lopez pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment on April 18, authorities said.

The incident was originally reported on July 30, 2022, when Newport Beach Police officers were dispatched to the area of W. Balboa Boulevard and 26th Street in response to reports of a hit-and-run.

When officers arrived, they found a motorist with "significant" injuries. According to police, after the crash with the motorcyclist, the Jeep collided into several parked vehicles on the street and the driver fled the scene on-foot.

Officers at the scene canvassed the area but could not find the driver, and the suspect vehicle was impounded. The case was taken over by the NBPD's Major Accident Investigation Team, which completed a thorough and detailed investigation into the incident.

The investigation included a review of evidence, witness interviews, search warrants and surveillance, which led to Lopez's identification.

No further information was immediately available.