The Duck Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating the driver of a vehicle involved in a hit- and- run collision that occurred on Monday, February 17, 2025, on Duck Road (NC Highway 12).
At approximately 4:20 p.m. on Monday, Duck Police, Duck Fire Department, and Dare County EMS responded to a reported collision involving an electric-assisted bicycle and a vehicle near 1209 Duck Road. The investigating officer determined that a minor was operating the electric- assisted bicycle at an unsafe speed on the northbound Duck Trail sidewalk, in violation of the Town’s ordinance prohibiting electric-assisted bicycles on sidewalks within the Village of Duck. The bicycle collided with the front passenger-side quarter panel of a white 2007 Ford Expedition as the vehicle attempted to exit the parking lot of 1209 Duck Road and turn onto Duck Road without stopping. The speed of the electric-assisted bicycle and the vehicle’s failure to stop prior to turning were significant factors contributing to the crash. A second minor was riding on the back of the electric bicycle at the time of the incident. The crash was captured by one of the Town’s live traffic cameras.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as 48-year-old Arturo Garcia Gutierrez of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot before officers arrived. A cooperating relative facilitated a phone call between the investigating officer and Mr. Gutierrez, during which he admitted to the collision, stated he was in Camden County, but refused to surrender to authorities. As a result, the Duck Police Department towed the vehicle and obtained a warrant for Mr. Gutierrez’s arrest. Mr. Gutierrez has been charged with felony failure to stop at the scene of a crash involving personal injury, driving while license revoked due to a prior DWI, possession of fictitious registration plates, and failure to insure a motor vehicle. Additionally, Mr. Gutierrez is wanted for two counts of failing to appear for court appearances for previous criminal charges.
The minors involved in the crash were transported to The Outer Banks Hospital, where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The minors’ violation of the Town’s Ordinance prohibiting electric-assisted bicycles to be operated on sidewalks within the Village of Duck was handled in a non-judicial manner. The northbound lane of Duck Road was temporarily closed for approximately 30 minutes while officers conducted their investigation.
Mr. Gutierrez owns and operates Garcia’s Construction & Cleaning Services LLC. The Duck Police Department asks anyone with information about his location to contact authorities at (252) 473-3444.
The Town of Duck encourages safe practices for all road users, including those operating electric-assisted bicycles. Riders are advised to wear helmets, follow traffic regulations, and stay aware of their surroundings, particularly when traveling near roadways. Similarly, drivers are encouraged to remain attentive and practice safe driving habits to ensure the well-being of all travelers.
