Man killed while he walked on highway
By Nick Hiltunen
Published in News on June 28, 2010 1:46 PM
PIKEVILLE -- A man arguing with his family exited their vehicle on Interstate 795 early Sunday morning, where he was killed when struck by a car, authorities said.
Victor Ceja-Fuentes, 19, of Antler Creek Road, died at the scene of the accident on I-795 near Pikeville-Princeton Road, Highway Patrol First Sgt. Jerry Burton said.
Fuentes was struck by a 2004 Nissan passenger car driven by Frederick L. Tarpley, 39, of Patetown Road, a postal worker who happened to be headed home from work, Burton said.
The accident took place around 4:20 a.m. on Sunday morning, according to Highway Patrol records.
"(The) reason he was walking on the road -- he was riding with family members (and) had an argument," Burton said. "He exited the vehicle because he felt like walking, and as he was walking along the road, he was struck."
No charges have yet been filed in the death, as the Highway Patrol continues its investigation and consults with the District Attorney's office.
"In cases like this, and in most fatalities, we consult with the district attorney before we make any charges," Burton said.
The first sergeant said that in this particular case, troopers would leave the decision on whether to file criminal charges to District Attorney Branny Vickory and his staff.