Johnston Police: Suspect Arrested in Monday's Hit and Run

JOHNSTON, RI — Johnston police have made an arrest in the fatal hit and run accident that killed a 63-year-old Johnston woman. The suspect is Zachary Stamp, 25, of Smithfield.

The accident happened at 8:45 p.m. on Killingly Street. Deborah Saritelli, of Johnston, died after she was struck by the car on Monday.

"She had just left Cumberland Farms after making a purchase with her adult son and was heading back to her residence when she was fatally struck in the roadway," Deputy Chief Daniel Parrillo said. The driver sped off.

Johnston police circulated a video and photographs of the car, as they attempted to identify the hit-and-run driver.

Police found the car last night.

"After days of video review and interviews by our accident reconstruction team, detectives, and BCI personnel and with the public’s valuable assistance we were able to identify the possible location of the suspect vehicle late last evening," Deputy Chief Parrillo said. "A search warrant was drawn up, signed, and executed with the assistance of the Smithfield Police Department and the R.I. Attorney General’s Office."

The car was parked outside a house. While at that home looking for evidence, police met Stamp. He and his family voluntarily went to the Johnston Police Station, where he was arraigned.

He is being charged with Duty to Stop in Accidents Resulting in Death, and Operating on a Suspended License, fifth offense.

He has prior arrests, police said. He has been charged with attempted larceny, vandalism and shoplifting.

Stamp was released on $10,000 personal recognizance and is due in court Aug 1.

Police said they want to thank everyone that helped find Stamp, "especially all of those business owners and residents who provided the department their video footage which enabled the investigators to track the vehicle’s route from Killingly Street north to Putnam Avenue. Without their assistance and that of the public, it would have taken much longer to bring this apprehension to a conclusion for the Saritelli family, who we extend our condolences to again."