No update available on possible charges against hit-and-run driver

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson provided no update Friday about whether charges will be filed against the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred nearly one month ago.

Lawrence police said 21-year-old Joel Hernandez was under the influence of alcohol early on the morning of Oct. 16 when he hit 20-year-old Rachel Leek, who was riding a bike just south of 10th and Tennessee streets. Leek died later that day.

Officers said Hernandez, a Haskell Indian Nations University student, “made no apparent attempt to stop and render aid to Leek or report the accident to law enforcement.” Hernandez was not arrested when he was later located.

More than a week ago, the county’s chief prosecutor said he expected to make a decision on whether charges would be filed by last week. On Friday, Branson was unavailable for comment and his spokeswoman said his office was “still waiting on records.”