Breckenridge Police Arrest Suspect In Deadly Hit & Run

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. (CBS4)- Police in Breckenridge have arrested a suspect wanted in a deadly hit-and-run last month when investigators say he set his car on fire.

Cristina Martinez Hernandez was found dead on the side of the road in the 600 block of Airport Road just before 11 p.m. on Aug. 31. Hernandez 26, was pronounced dead at the scene despite attempts by the Red, White & Blue Fire Department to revive her. Police believe the driver struck her and drove away.

Police built a profile of the suspect vehicle from surveillance video.

Police in Breckenridge said the final break in the case in their search for the suspect driver came from the Denver Police Department regarding a vehicular arson.

The suspect, Steven James Gravatt, surrendered to authorities on Thursday. Gravatt, 55, is a resident of Blue River.

Police say he was behind the wheel of a silver Volkswagen Tiguan when he drove to Denver and set it on fire. He was captured when investigators linked the vehicle's registration to Summit County.

Gravatt was booked into the Summit County Jail on charges of tampering with physical evidence, arson and failure to remain at the sceen after an accident involving death.

"I would like to thank the Breckenridge community for their support and assistance in the investigation of this tragic incident. With help from other law enforcement agencies – local, state, and federal, as well as continued help from the community in sharing key information, we were able to help begin the closure process for Ms. Hernandez's family," said Breckenridge Police Chief Shannon Haynes in a statement.

Gravatt is scheduled for an advisement hearing in Summit County Court on Friday.