INDIANAPOLIS — The suspect in a deadly hit-and-run crash in downtown Indianapolis was arrested as he waited to board a flight to Texas.
Salvador Banales, 27, is charged with seven felonies and a misdemeanor is connection to the hit-and-run crash that killed Brandon Breedlove on Saturday.
Breedlove was described as a great and loyal friend.
"He was a great guy all around," Peyton O'Brien said. "He had so many friends but always showed up for all of them. He loved my daughter. He loved my dog Kodak. He had his own dog named Pacer after the Indiana Pacers, because he loves Indy and basketball. He took Pacer with him literally everywhere — that was his child. I know Brandon had future hopes for a wife and kids of his own one day. It’s awful we’ve lost such a good and supportive friend."
According to court documents, Banales struck Breedlove and two others around 2 a.m. on Saturday near Massachusetts Avenue and College Avenue.
Breedlove was taken to a local hospital with severe injuries, where he later died. Two others suffered a concussion and hand injuries.
Quickly, detectives were able to determine a red 2020-22 Ford Mustang was involved in the crash because of debris left behind.
Later on Saturday, police received a call from a person saying their rental car had been vandalized. The caller, according to court documents, was Salvador Banales.
Banales told police his 2022 Ford Mustang was hit between 8 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. while he was at a bar. At the time, Banales told police he was reporting for insurance purposes and he was about to fly to Houston, Texas.
Detectives inspecting the vehicle secured the vehicle at the airport after realizing the damage went beyond vandalism.
Inspection found blood and human tissue to the passenger side of the car, which matched surveillance video of the hit-and-run, according to court documents.
With enough evidence to find probable cause, IMPD officers began to search the Indianapolis International Airport for Banales. He was located just before boarding a flight to Houston, according to court documents.
In questioning, Banales told police he was in town for a work convention and he had three beers on Friday night and into Saturday morning.
Banales admitted to police that he hit something and continued driving, according to court documents.
"I should've stopped. Just left. Didn't think about it. Was just scared for what I'd done. Just made some bad decisions," Banales said.
The following statement can be attributed to Councilor Jesse Brown:
"My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Brandon James Breedlove, as well as to the two people who were injured, and I wish them strength and comfort during this time.
As an advocate for pedestrian and bicyclist safety, I am deeply saddened by this tragic and preventable accident. This emphasizes the critical importance of effective infrastructure design to enhance the safety and accessibility of our streets. I am proud of the progress made in converting College Avenue from one-way to two-way, aligning with our city's Complete Streets policy. These changes, including narrower roads, promote safer driving speeds and improve conditions for all road users.
However, tragedies like this also highlight the need for education and accountability. This weekend's accident was the result of someone's decision to drive under the influence, causing irreparable harm to a family and community. We must all recognize the gravity of our actions and the impact they can have on others.
As a community, we must work together to prevent such senseless loss. I urge everyone to prioritize safety on our roads and never to drive under the influence. It's a decision that can have devastating consequences and rob someone of their life. Let's commit to ensuring that everyone can return safely to their loved ones each day.
I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department for their swift action in making an arrest."
