WOODLAND – Fast action from an alert citizen may have played a big role in the quick arrest of a hit and run suspect here Thursday night.

According to Woodland Police Chief Don Ryan, Ulber Antonio Perez, 23, of Lot 14, Arrowhead Mobile Home Park, was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident and failing to drive a vehicle as practical in a lane of traffic following the alleged hit and run.

&uot;Mr. Perez was apparently traveling north on US 258 when he struck a parked 1995 Ford Aerostar van,&uot; Ryan said.

From information provided to me from a person who saw the fleeing vehicle and followed it the mobile home park, we were able to make an arrest rather quickly,&uot; he continued.

Ryan said Perez gave himself up without incident at the mobile home park.

&uot;We found his van, a 1998 Ford van, parked behind one of the homes back there. I approached the residence and asked for the driver of the van to come out.

&uot;Mr. Perez did so without any incident. He could not speak English and I was unable to communicate with him so an interpreter was called in,&uot; Ryan said. &uot;He admitted to driving the van and was placed under arrest.&uot;

North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper Bennie Pulliam was also on the scene and after administering a breathalyzer test, charged Perez with driving while impaired and driving without a license.

&uot;We were lucky to find Mr. Perez,&uot; Ryan said. &uot;The reason we were able to do so was because we had a couple of citizens who were alert and were able to provide vital information as to the vehicle, direction of travel and even down to where the vehicle was believed to be located.&uot;

Ryan also thanked the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, the Rich Square Police Department and North Carolina Highway Patrol for their assistance.