'I fell asleep': Driver who dragged cyclist underneath van said he 'passes out randomly and wakes up in different places,' police say
Share this @internewscast.com

Background: News footage of the area of Phoenix, Ariz., where Hannah Henry was killed on Feb. 8 (KPHO). Inset (left): Eric Hodge (Maricopa County Sheriff”s Office). Inset (right): Hannah Henry (Sun Devil Athletics).

An Arizona resident, who informed a judge that he “fell asleep” while operating a vehicle, leading to a tragic hit-and-run accident, was allegedly under the influence of fentanyl during the incident.

Eric Hodge, 46, is currently detained at the Maricopa County Jail with a $750,000 cash bond. His initial court appearance occurred on Monday, where he faced charges including reckless manslaughter related to the demise of 26-year-old Hannah Henry. According to documents from the local CBS station KPHO, the accident took place near Central Avenue and Elwood Street in Phoenix. Hodge allegedly drove into the bike lane, hitting Henry from the rear with his vehicle and subsequently continuing on his way.

Authorities report that Hodge confessed to consuming fentanyl shortly before the accident and admitted to purchasing additional drugs afterwards.

Traffic cameras captured footage of the van Hodge was driving, leading police to track it to a particular address. The registered van owner cooperated with police, confirming Hodge was behind the wheel at the time. When officers visited the residence, Hodge reportedly attempted to evade them by exiting through the back door, but was swiftly apprehended for questioning.

Hodge confessed to using fentanyl earlier that day, noting that the drug often causes him to “pass out randomly and wake up in different places.” He remembered noticing a “girl on a 10-speed bicycle” while driving but believed he had collided with a fire hydrant. Following this supposed collision, he acquired $100 worth of fentanyl.

Police discovered drug paraphernalia in Hodge’s possession upon his arrest.

KPHO reported that Henry, a former triathlete, was found by first responders in critical condition with serious injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

During his court appearance, Hodge told the judge, “I didn’t know that I hit anybody. I fell asleep, and when I woke up, I was off the road a little bit.”

State prosecutor Stephen Garcia called Hodge a “danger to the community.” The judge seemed to agree, and set Hodge’s bail at $750,000 cash.

Hodge was charged with reckless manslaughter, leaving the scene of a deadly crash, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of narcotic drugs. His next court date was scheduled for Feb. 13.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Tragic Incident: Mother Fatally Stabs Infant and Pursues Man with Knife, Authorities Report

Share A tragic incident has unfolded in a rural area of North…

Disturbing Discovery: Man Accused of Murder After Burned Remains Found on Property Following Cremation Comments

Joseph Taylor (Butte County District Attorney”s Office). A man from California finds…

Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Unaccounted For: Could Family Dog’s Barking Hold Clues?

The ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie has taken a new twist, with…

Judge Rules Pete Hegseth’s ‘Orwellian’ Directive a ‘Classic’ Constitutional Violation with No Legal Standing

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth responds to a reporter”s question before the…

Man Charged with Baby’s Death Using Coffee Mug Seeks Sympathy from Deputy, Sheriff Reports

Main: Anthony Grove being questioned by deputies on March 21 (Volusia County…

Retired Sergeant Faces Sixth Sexual Assault Charge in Ongoing Serial Rape Investigation Involving Victim as Young as 14

A former police sergeant from Michigan, now retired, is under scrutiny as…

Massive Cocaine Haul Discovered on Sailboat in Tropical Island Haven

The turquoise blue ocean and lush greenery of Vanuatu’s Havannah Harbour turned…

Tragic NYC Subway Incident: Serial Offender Fatally Pushes 83-Year-Old Air Force Veteran

A Honduran national, described as a “serial criminal,” faces charges of second-degree…

Man Allegedly Stabs Scientist Wife in Disturbing Incident, Despite Mother’s Pleas to Cease, Authorities Report

Left: James Martin (Johnson County Jail). Right: Amber Martin (Amber Martin/Facebook). Fresh…

Tragic Double Murder: Man Defies Protection Order, Fatally Shoots Wife and Her Partner in Shocking Act of Violence

Inset: Robert T. Child (Mason County Sheriff”s Office). Background: Child is arrested…

Prosecutors: Foster Parents Accused of Abusing Children with Forced Exercise and Starvation, Leading to Tragic Death

Inset: Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber (Facebook). Background: The victim”s room in…

Fugitive Caught: Xanax Blamed for Shoplifting Spree Amid Arrest

By Staff Writers GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a recent incident at a…