Man charged for South Salt Lake hit-and-run that critically injured bicyclist

SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah (ABC4) — A man accused of critically injuring a bicyclist in an August hit-and-run has been charged. A GoFundMe has been organized for the victim, who suffered extensive injuries.

Jose Isaac Sanchez, 41, was charged on Aug. 21 with one count each of failure to stop at a serious injury accident, not having motor vehicle insurance, and driving on a suspended or revoked license.

According to court documents, on Aug. 16, 2025, around 2:20 a.m., South Salt Lake City officers were dispatched to a hit-and-run crash near 2800 S and 900 W. While they were traveling to the scene, they were informed that a witness was performing CPR on the victim.

The witness told police that he was driving down 900 W when he saw the victim on the ground. He quickly made a U-turn and called 911 to report that the bicyclist had been hit.

Medical responders arrived and found the victim lying on the ground with a bleeding head wound; his bicycle was 30 feet away from him and had a bent rear tire. The victim, Matthew Clark, was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Documents say that he suffered a severe brain injury, as well as neck and leg injuries.

Officers searched the scene of the crash and located a broken piece of a front bumper near the victim’s bicycle. Detectives found out that the piece allegedly belonged to a white Ford Fusion. Reviewing surveillance footage from the scene revealed that a white Ford Fusion had struck the back of the victim’s bicycle and continued driving.

According to documents, surveillance footage showed that the driver — later identified as Sanchez — made a U-turn “as if to return to the scene” before making a second U-turn and fleeing. Detectives were able to capture the vehicle’s license plate number, which led them to Sanchez.

Detectives discovered that Sanchez did not have insurance, and his driver’s license was currently suspended. The white Ford Fusion was spotted at an apartment complex in West Valley City, and South Salt Lake City Police went to investigate. The apartment manager confirmed Sanchez’s identity and that he lived in the apartments.

A search warrant was served on Sanchez’s vehicle and apartment, and officers discovered that it was in disarray and “cleaned out as if the occupants had grabbed items and left in a hurry.”

Documents say that Sanchez was confirmed to be in the U.S. illegally by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and his home country is Mexico. Sanchez is not currently in custody, and a warrant for his arrest has been issued.

To support Matthew Clark with medical bills as he recovers from his critical injuries, visit the family’s GoFundMe.