Thurber was arrested on an outstanding warrant on charges relating to drunken driving and a marked lanes violation from last April.
Adam ThurberSPRINGFIELD -- A Tavistock Street man described by police as a “strong suspect” in the New Year’s Day hit-and-run crash that took the life of 25-year-old city resident Derek Russell was arrested in Ludlow Friday morning.
Adam Thurber, 38, was arrested on an outstanding warrant on charges relating to drunken driving and a marked lanes violation from last April, Sgt. John M. Delaney said.
The hit and run, reported early Wednesday at Boston Road and Barber Street, remains under investigation, said Delaney, aide to Commissioner William J. Fitchet.
“Charges (pertaining to the hit-and-run) will be sought on Monday as courts are closed today due to the recent snow storm,” Delaney stated in a release.
Thurber is being held on high bail, Delaney said.
Delaney said investigating officers found the vehicle involved in the crash, a Ford F-150 pickup truck, on Tavistock Street following the crash. That pickup belongs to Thurber, he said.
Russell was stuck near Barber Street at around 3 a.m. as he crossed Boston Road on a bicycle. Russell lived on Larchmont Street, a short distance from the scene of the crash.
The Ford truck never stopped, but continued east on Boston Road toward Wilbraham. Parts of Russell’s bicycle were found on the ground near the Walmart lot, close to a mile from the accident scene, Delaney said.
Officers Robert Browne and Robert Kalin of the police Traffic Division are handling the investigation, Delaney said.
Delaney said Officer Mike Goggin, other members of Springfield's Warrant Apprehension Unit and members of the Ludlow Police Department arrested Thurber at the Cumberland Farms on West Street in Ludlow.
Ludlow Police Sgt. Frank Nowak said Thurber was in the area and just happened to stop at the Cumberland Farms when he was arrested.