Man Charged With DUI, Vehicular Homicide After Christmas Eve Crash That Left A Man Dead

COBB COUNTY, GA — One man was arrested and faces several charges, including driving under the influence, after a Christmas Eve crash that left another man dead, according to Cobb police.

Shortly after midnight on Friday, Arturo Vela Mantilla, 67, of Kennesaw, was riding his bicycle — equipped with a headlight and taillight — westbound on Barrett Parkway in the right lane when a Honda Civic, driven by 24-year-old Elmer Josue Santizo-Gomez, crashed into the back of his bike.

Mantilla was thrown off the bike. He was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to Cobb police.

Santizo-Gomez, also of Kennesaw, drove off without stopping to report the crash or render aid, police said. A witness provided information to Cobb County Police Department officers which led to the 24-year-old's arrest.

Santizo-Gomez was taken into custody at a Kennesaw home and charged with improper passing of a bicyclist, DUI, hit and run, and vehicular homicide in the first degree.

The investigation is still ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit at 770-499-3987.