News Release-EPD Investigating Fatal Hit and Run Crash, Suspect in Custody, 8.6.26

Updated News Release 2: Probable Cause Found for Fatal Hit and Run Arrest, Bond Set

Update 2, 8/7/26 at 2:30 p.m.: Today an Elkhart County judicial officer found probable cause for the arrest of Hugo Loza, Jr., 20 years old of Elkhart, on preliminary charges of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death, a Level 4 Felony; Operating While Intoxicated-Prior, a Level 6 Felony; and Operating While Intoxicated-Prior, ≥ .08, a Level 6 Felony. He was previously arrested on August 6th by Elkhart Police Department officers and booked into the Elkhart County Jail in connection with the fatal hit and run death of Jose Padilla Redondo.

Bond was set at $300,000 and his initial hearing is scheduled for August 21, 2026. This case has been forwarded to the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office for review of formal criminal charges.

Please be advised that under Indiana law an individual is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Update, 8/6/26 at 10:50 p.m.: The victim from yesterday evening’s fatal hit and run crash in the 2200 block of S. Main St has been identified, and family has been notified. He has been identified as Jose Padilla Redondo, 56 years old of Elkhart.

As previously released, officers located the suspect vehicle, a Chevrolet Silverado, in the 24000 block of Co Rd 26. Officers arrested a 20-year-old male suspect and booked him into the Elkhart County Jail on preliminary charges in connection with this investigation, including Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Causing Death When Operating a Vehicle with an ACE of .08 or More. This arrest will be forwarded to the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office for review of formal criminal charges. EPD will release the name of the individual arrested if and when a judicial officer finds probable cause for the arrest and sets bail.

Please be advised that under Indiana law an individual is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Original Release, 8.6.26:

The Elkhart Police Department is actively investigating a fatal hit and run crash that occurred yesterday evening in the 2200 block of S. Main St. A suspect has been taken into custody, but the hit and run victim has not yet been identified.

Yesterday evening, August 5, 2026, at about 10:20 p.m., Elkhart Police Department officers dispatched to a hit and run crash with injuries in the 2200 block of S. Main St, Elkhart. Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive man lying alongside the road near 2207 S. Main St. Elkhart Fire Department Medics arrived on scene shortly thereafter and rendered first aid before transporting the victim to the hospital. Sadly, despite life-saving measures, the victim subsequently died at the hospital.

Initial investigation indicates that a truck traveling southbound on S. Main St struck the victim and then continued traveling southbound. The Elkhart Police Department Crash Reconstruction Team was activated to investigate. During the investigation, officers located the suspect vehicle, a Chevrolet Silverado, in the 24000 block of Co Rd 26. Officers arrested a 20-year-old male suspect and booked him into the Elkhart County Jail on preliminary charges in connection with this investigation, including Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Causing Death When Operating a Vehicle with an ACE of .08 or More. This arrest will be forwarded to the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office for review of formal criminal charges. EPD will release the name of the individual arrested if and when a judicial officer finds probable cause for the arrest and sets bail.

Officers are still actively attempting to identify the victim, who appears to be a Hispanic male in his 50’s or 60’s with a scroll tattoo on his chest. If you have any information about his identity or this investigation, please call the Elkhart Police Department at 574-295-7070.

Please be advised that under Indiana law an individual is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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