Father of hit-and-run suspect arrested for accessory after the fact
January 22, 2025
Case #: 2025-000448
The Bradenton Police Department has arrested the father of the suspect charged in Saturday night's fatal hit-and-run crash.
Jose Torres, 59, is charged with accessory after the fact, a felony. Investigators obtained probable cause that Jose Torres knew his son, Julio Torres, had committed a felony and aided him in avoiding arrest.
Julio Torres is still on the run. BPD and local, state, and federal partners are working to locate him.
Saturday, January 18, 2025, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Julio Torres was speeding northbound on 15th St. W., lost control of his vehicle, struck a pole, and then hit and killed 26-year-old Clarence Brooks, who was sitting or sleeping near the sidewalk. Torres exited his car and ran from the scene before officers arrived.
BPD issued an arrest warrant for Julio Torres on Sunday. He is charged with vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a crash involving death, and driving with a suspended license.
If you have information about this case, contact the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300. Submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at manateecrimestoppers.com. You may be eligible for a reward of $3,000.
