Authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with a hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a Lake Elsinore man earlier this month.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, 20-year-olds Brody Aaron Bird and Amber Lauren Lievanos, both residents of Lake Elsinore, were taken into custody for their alleged roles in the death of 44-year-old Josh Nichols.
Tragic Incident Unfolds
The fatal collision occurred around 1 a.m. on Feb. 18 along Riverside Drive, just west of Baker Street. Nichols was walking home with his dog when he was struck by a vehicle.
Deputies arriving at the scene found Nichols lying unresponsive in the roadway. Tragically, he was pronounced dead. The driver responsible for the crash had already fled, leaving authorities with only a limited description of the suspect vehicle—a dark-colored car with front-end damage.
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Break in the Case Leads to Arrests
With help from the community, investigators gathered crucial evidence and identified a suspect vehicle.
On Feb. 20, deputies spotted the car leaving a residence in Lake Elsinore and initiated a traffic stop. Bird was arrested at that time, while Lievanos was later located and taken into custody the same day.
Following interviews, both suspects were booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center. Lievanos faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, while Bird was charged as an accessory after the fact.
Mystery Remains Over Crash Circumstances
While the exact details surrounding the incident remain unclear, friends of Nichols suspect he may have been trying to retrieve his dog, Woodson, who possibly got loose before the crash occurred.
Nichols was remembered as a caring individual who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He leaves behind a young child, along with grieving family and friends.
Community Support & Ongoing Investigation
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist Nichols’ family with funeral expenses.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the case. Nichols’ dog, Woodson, remains missing.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Deputy Keyser at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station at 951-245-3300 or Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatch at 951-776-1099 .
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