For more than two months the family of 33-year-old Shane Hurst has been waiting to hear if the man behind the wheel of the Hummer that struck him and left him to die on a Turlock road in November would ever be identified and apprehended.

They got the news they were hoping for on Tuesday.

After an extensive investigation, the Turlock Police Department identified Jose Luis Gutierrez-Cruz, 38, as the suspected driver in the fatal hit and run collision and apprehended him on Tuesday during a traffic stop.

“Since the incident occurred, the Turlock Police Department has placed an unwavering focus on resolving this case and bringing justice to the bereaved family,” Turlock Police spokeswoman Dominique Sanchez wrote in a Facebook post announcing the arrest. “Through diligent investigative efforts, M.A.I.T (Major Accident Investigation Team) has worked tirelessly to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze forensic data to pursue any leads that could help identify and locate the person responsible.”

On the evening of Nov. 6, 2023, Hurst was walking alongside his bicycle on his way home when he was struck by a Hummer in the 3100 block of West Christoffersen Parkway. When Turlock Police officers arrived on scene they located an unresponsive male, later identified as Hurst, laying in the center median with severe head trauma. He was rushed to a local hospital and died shortly after arrival.

The driver, now believed to be Gutierrez-Cruz, fled the scene of the collision almost immediately. The roadway was closed for nearly six hours as officers canvassed the area, gathered evidence, and attempted to locate camera footage.

Officer Michael Simbalenko, who leads the department’s traffic unit, obtained an arrest warrant for Gutierrez-Cruz. On Tuesday, Simbalenko located a vehicle in the area of Fulkerth Avenue and Tully Road that was previously linked to Gutierrez-Cruz. He initiated a traffic stop and Gutierrez-Cruz was taken into custody without incident.

“This is wonderful news! Thank you City of Turlock - Turlock Police Department and especially Officer Simbalenko! I am the victim’s aunt and I’ve been waiting to hear this for weeks now,” wrote Elizabeth Balloue on the department’s social media post.

Gutierrez-Cruz was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on a misdemeanor charge of hit and run and a charge of destroying or concealing evidence. He has since posted bail of $50,000 and is out of custody.