Arrest Made In Hit-And-Run That Killed 12-Year-Old Stamford Boy: Police

STAMFORD, CT — A 41-year-old Stamford man was arrested Monday in connection with the hit-and-run collision that killed a 12-year-old boy who was riding on a mini-bike this past summer, according to an announcement from the Stamford Police Department.

Juan Carlos Umana-Umana turned himself in at Stamford Police Headquarters Monday on a warrant that charges him with misconduct with a motor vehicle, felony evading responsibility, and tampering with evidence, police said in a news release.

On Aug. 2 at approximately 8:47 p.m., a 12-year-old boy - later identified as Brisley Reyes - was riding a mini-bike southbound in the 300-block of Courtland Avenue with a family member, who was on a scooter, police said.

The two pulled out of the travel lane and over to the shoulder of Courtland Avenue for an unknown reason, and as they were sitting on the side of the road, a vehicle struck the mini-bike, causing Reyes to be thrown from the bike into the yard of a private residence, police said. The vehicle then fled the scene after the collision.

"Using several investigative techniques, officers from all divisions of the Stamford Police Department worked to, and were able to, identify the suspect vehicle, as well as the suspected operator," police said, noting the vehicle was a 2004 Honda Accord.

Police announced the day after the incident that they identified a suspect and vehicle, and the investigation continued.

The SPD's Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad immediately notified the Stamford Superior Court Prosecutor’s Office who assisted investigators with obtaining a search and seizure warrant for the vehicle, police said. An arrest warrant was eventually signed by a Stamford Superior Court Judge.

"Officers from the Patrol Division, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad should all be commended on their diligence and dedication while investigating this case," police said Monday.

Umana-Umana told police he had an attorney and would not provide any information to the investigating officers, police said. He was released on a $200,000 court set bond, and is scheduled to be arraigned in Stamford Superior Court on Nov. 10.

Reyes was remembered by those who knew him for his big heart and friendly and welcoming nature.

A vigil was held near the scene of the crash on Aug. 5. Around 300 people gathered to remember Reyes and grieve together.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was set up for the Reyes family shortly after the incident, and it has garnered over $38,000 as of Monday evening.

Reyes' cousin, Olga Reyes, previously told NBC Connecticut the boy had just received the mini-bike for his birthday and was excited to use it.