Driver in Aptos hit-and-run crash arrested

UPDATE 6/24/2015: Investigators got a big break in a hit-and-run case in Aptos earlier this month. Santa Cruz California Highway Patrol said suspect Trevor Maddy, 17, is the same person who ran over a young Aptos woman and then took off.

The search for Maddy ended Tuesday evening after he was located in Rio Del Mar, with help from tips from the public.

This comes as the victim, Nicole Brown, 25, continues her long journey toward recovery.

Few details were revealed as to how investigators tracked Maddy down. But they said an outpouring of tips from the community has helped tremendously.

Maddy is a juvenile but CHP officers are releasing his picture because they said he’s avoiding arrest. The hit-and-run happened on June 13th, when Brown was hit by a Volvo SUV, believed to be registered to Maddy’s parents.

CHP said his parents are cooperating, but that they didn’t know where their son is.

“At this point just asking the community to call CHP if they have any information like I said that will lead to the safe apprehension of Mr. Maddy,” Officer Trista Sharp said.

Investigators do believe alcohol was a factor in the accident.

On Tuesday, we spoke with Brown’s close friends who have been at the hospital with her every day. They sent us this picture of Nicole responding to requests to make a peace sign. They said she has now opened her eyes and has woken up a few times and she has had three surgeries so far.

Maddy could face charges of felony hit-and-run and collision causing injuries.

UPDATE 8:33 p.m.: A teen wanted for a hit-and-run crash in Aptos has been arrested by California Highway Patrol officers.

According to the Santa Cruz CHP, Trevor Maddy is now in custody.

CHP officers were able to find Maddy with the help of numerous tips from the public.Officers spotted the teen in the area of Rio Del Mar Beach where he was arrested.

The vehicle involved in the crash, a 2004 silver Volvo XC90, is now in CHP evidence.

UPDATE 6/23/15: California Highway Patrol has identified the driver wanted for a hit-and-run crash leaving an Aptos woman in serious condition earlier this month.

On Tuesday, close friends of Nicole Brown, 25, said she has opened her eyes and is awake. They say she recognizes her friends and has had three surgeries so far.

Officers said Trevor Maddy, 17, of Aptos is the suspected driver.

CHP said Maddy is avoiding arrest and is asking for the public’s help is locating him.

Anyone with information is asked to call 831-662-0511.

UPDATE: A friend of Nicole Brown, seriously hurt during a hit-and-run crash over the weekend in Aptos, said she is responding to commands at the hospital.

The friend said Brown is giving a “thumbs up” when asked to respond. Family and friends are pleading for more information on the suspect car. Right now investigators have very little information but are reviewing video from surveillance cameras in the area.

PREVIOUS STORY: A victim in a hit-and-run crash early Saturday in Aptos is being treated for life-threatening injuries but is in stable condition, according to California Highway Patrol.

Officers said Nicole Brown, 25, of Aptos, was walking on Treasure Island Ave. at about 3:30 a.m., when a car suddenly swerved onto the sidewalk at a high speed, hitting her.

The driver left the scene and continued westbound on Treasure Island Ave. near Spreckles Dr., officers said. CHP said Brown is still in serious condition at a Bay Area trauma center.

Officers said they have limited information on a suspect car but say the car may have damage to the right front headlight and right front bumper. CHP is asking for the public’s help in identifying the car and investigators are checking surveillance video from the area.

Brown’s family is offering a $5,000 reward for anyone with information leading to an arrest or conviction.

If you want to help donations can be made via Paypal to thenicolebrownfund@gmail.com. Note to mark it as “friends and family” so fees aren’t deducted. You can also mail checks, cards etc. to Nicole C/O Carrie Clark, at PO Box 784, Capitola, CA 95010.

Anyone with information is asked to call CHP at 831-662-0511.