4/11/2024 bicyclist NB crosswalk 47th Ave was struck by an suv driver WB on Northern Ave. The bicyclists, 13 yo Elias Bizzle. The crash database indicate the bicyclist was crossing against the signal.
Police say the driver is 27 yo Joshua Holbert who according to police and court records fled the scene and then tried to hide his damaged vehicle, which was tracked down by using available surveillance video.
Hit and run w/fatal is a felony regardless of fault, but is often results in rather light sentences. He has a 2020 drugs case in Superior Court that might have had something to do with why he fled(?)
Later new reporting claims the suspect “has a history of reckless driving”; we don’t know what that’s about.
Northern Ave is pretty ugly; there are three westbound through lanes (two eastbound). 47th is a collector.
13-year-old dies nearly 2 weeks after hit-and-run in Glendale
… Glendale police and the family of Elias Bizzle confirmed to Arizona’s Family that the 13-year-old boy died from his injuries on Tuesday.
On April 11, Elias and some friends were out riding their bikes near 47th and Northern avenues when the collision happened. Police say Elias and his friends were using the crosswalk when 27-year-old Joshua Holbert hit him.
… Three days after the crash, police used traffic cameras and surveillance videos to track Holbert’s Chevrolet Trailblazer to an apartment complex. Court documents say the American flag that was attached to the vehicle at the time of the crash had been removed, and it was parked to hide the damage. Holbert eventually turned himself in, stating he didn’t help the boy, fled the scene and went back to his apartment, police said…
Bike ride, bench reveal in memory of 13 year old killed in hit-and-run
…“We’re riding for Eli and we’re still fighting for justice for Eli as well,” said Elbert Bizzle, Elias’ dad.
…Elias died in April of last year, after 12 days on life support. Detectives told 12News he was riding his bike with a group of friends on a crosswalk in the intersection when it happened….
Meanwhile, Elias’ parents want justice…Holbert, who has a history of reckless driving, pleaded not guilty but court records reveal he admitted his involvement to police.
Elias’ parents want Holbert to be held accountable, but they also want to see safer streets, so no other family has to face the pain and suffering of losing a child…
Criminal Case
docket CR2024-117580 case minutes
as of mid-march 2025 case is grinding forward, with “new last day” set for May 8th.
Leaving the scene of a fatal, a class 3 felony. Class 3 indicates the defendant is not believed to have caused the crash — which would be consistent with what’s in the traffic records.