Unlicensed woman arrested in hit-and-run case

TUCSON, AZ (KOLD) - Police have made an arrest in a hit-and-run case that left a 23-year-old cyclist seriously injured.

The father of Samuel Abate -- the man hit by a driver who left the scene-- said Tucson Police called him late Tuesday night with news about the arrest.

Tucson Police confirmed Wednesday morning that 21-year-old Abigal Allin was arrested and booked into Pima County Jail.

She's been charged with:

• Leaving the scene of a serious injury collision (at fault driver)
• Causing serious injury with a vehicle while under a suspended license
• Tampering with physical evidence

Allin had the windshield replaced after the collision, that's according to Damon Ashcraft, a technician with AAG Auto Glass and Tint.

Allin called out Ashcraft to replace the windshield to her eastside home. He called 911 after the installation because he noticed blood and hair on the broken widnshield.

Allin told Ashcraft that a brick had gone through the glass on her black Nissan Altima. When he pressed her on the blood and hair, Ashcraft said she thought it could've been a bird.

Police later picked up the broken windshield from the shop.

Abate was struck Friday night riding his bike near Swan and Ft. Lowell roads.

Allin was driving on a suspended license, police said in a release.

Sam Abate sustained very serious injuries from the incident.

"This has been a roller coaster-of-a-day for Sam and the entire Abate family," Bill Abate said in an email. "Aside from the anxiety of another surgery, Sam became agitated and decided that he no longer wanted a naso-gastric tube or a ventilator; so he simply yanked the tubes out."

"Fortunately he was able to sustain adequate ventilation on his own," the email stated. "Later a new feeding tube was placed. This has been his most active day so far.While his mom (Kathy Hodge) was comforting him and speaking to him, Sam turned to her and stated, "You remind me of my mom."She was elated to hear him speak with his raspy voice. And she responded, "I am your mom."

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