Bishop Thomas O’Brien, 67, was charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, a felony. He was released late Monday on bail.
When first questioned, the bishop told officers he was driving the car Saturday and thought he hit a dog or cat or someone threw a rock at his car, according to court records cited by the Arizona Republic.
The accident occurred Saturday night, when Jim L. Reed, 43, was struck by two cars while walking across a street about three miles from the bishop’s home. Both cars drove off. Police said they had no information on the second car.
A judge denied the prelate’s request to attend the U.S. bishops’ meeting this week in St. Louis, Missouri, the Republic said.
