Hit and Run - Arrest

On September 29^th, 2020 Mesa Police Detectives responded to a hit and run incident at 1811 S Alma School in Mesa. An 81 year old male, later identified as Larry Lans, was struck and killed as he walked on the sidewalk.   

The investigation revealed the defendant (later identified as Joseph Eckert) was driving a silver Ford Ranger northbound on Alma School from Baseline when for unknown reasons he left the roadway and drove onto the sidewalk colliding with a water meter valve, Mr Lans, and an SRP electrical box. After the collision he immediately reversed into the roadway and fled southbound on Alma School in the northbound lanes.

Investigators were able to locate nearby surveillance footage that allowed them to positively identify the make and model of the vehicle along with a license plate that returned to a Ford Ranger. Through investigative efforts and with the assistance of undercover officers, the vehicle was located in Tempe and the owner was contacted. The vehicle owner was interviewed, and he identified Eckert (an acquaintance) as the driver on the day of the incident.

Eckert was contacted and interviewed and initially denied any involvement. He later confessed to driving the vehicle at the time of the incident and admitted to striking the power box but claimed he had no knowledge of striking a pedestrian.

We appreciate the sense of urgency and dedication by all the officers and detectives involved in this investigation and are grateful for their excellent teamwork to resolve this investigation so quickly.

Eckert has been booked and charged with one count of Failing to Stop for a Fatality Collision.