Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin and Whitehall Township Police Chief Michael Marks announced Oct. 25 an arrest in a homicide by vehicle investigation.

Malcolm Justin Tracy Nugent, 32, of Phillipsburg, N.J., is charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, a felony of the first degree; homicide by vehicle and accidents involving death or personal injury while not properly licensed/serious bodily injury/death, both felonies of the third degree; unauthorized use of automobiles and other vehicles, a misdemeanor of the third degree; driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance and simple possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, all misdemeanor charges; and summary charges of reckless driving, careless driving/unintentional death, driving on roadways laned for traffic, driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked DUI/ARD while DUI.

According to the report on the incident, Whitehall police were called to the 3700 block of Lehigh Street May 5 for a report of an unresponsive man in the road. The victim, later identified as Edwin Rodriguez, was pronounced dead of multiple blunt force trauma.

An investigation determined Nugent was driving the vehicle that struck the victim. A blood draw taken from Nugent showed the presence of cocaine, methamphetamine, THC, fentanyl and other drugs, Martin said.

Witnesses told police that Nugent’s sport utility vehicle had crossed the northbound lanes of Lehigh Street and struck Rodriguez, who was standing on the sidewalk with a bicycle.

The owner of the vehicle told police Nugent did not have permission to use his vehicle. At the time of the crash, Nugent’s driver’s license was suspended.

Authorities have been unable to find Nugent to serve an arrest warrant that was filed Oct. 25. Anyone with information about Nugent’s whereabouts are asked to call 610-437-5252.