Tempe, AZ – A 23-year-old Scottsdale man has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash that left a California mariachi musician seriously injured in Tempe earlier this month.
Nathaniel McKean was taken into custody at his Scottsdale home on Wednesday, October 28, following an investigation into the October 9 collision involving 33-year-old Adan Alcala, a California drummer known professionally as Niko Stixx.
Reportedly, a Tempe police officer spotted a vehicle traveling the wrong way and driving on the sidewalk along McClintock Drive near Palmcroft Drive shortly after midnight. The driver allegedly struck Alcala, who was walking along the sidewalk, before continuing south in the northbound lanes and later moving into the southbound lanes.
Investigators say the vehicle, identified as a white Tesla Model 3, subsequently struck a light pole, damaging a side-view mirror. Police recovered the mirror at the scene and later matched it to a Tesla found abandoned about half a mile away. Surveillance footage reportedly showed the vehicle traveling at more than 32 mph when it hit Alcala.
Police said Alcala suffered multiple fractures to his arm, shoulder and spine, along with internal injuries. Reports indicate that Alcala faces more than five major surgeries.
Police also reported finding evidence of inhalant use inside the vehicle and said impairment may have contributed to the crash. Investigators later received an anonymous tip identifying McKean as the driver. Two witnesses reportedly told officers that McKean had said he fell asleep while driving, struck an unknown object and left the scene.
McKean was booked on charges including aggravated assault causing serious injury and leaving the scene of an accident involving injury. A judge set his bond at $150,000.