Arrest made in 2021 hit-and-run that killed Oakhurst skateboarder on his way home

The California Highway Patrol has made an arrest in a fatal hit-and-run that had remained unsolved for nearly two years.

Bryce Yandell, a 22-year-old from Coarsegold, was taken into custody on Tuesday after physical and circumstantial evidence, including cellular data, linked him to the scene of the crash, which happened in July 2021 on Road 427 east of Elliott Drive in Oakhurst.

Eben Hammond, 20, was skateboarding home when he was hit from behind. He died at the scene.

According to a statement from the CHP, a Crime Stoppers tip led investigators to Yandell, who owned a dark-colored Jeep of the type involved in the crash.

Investigators found damage on Yandell’s Jeep consistent with a vehicle versus pedestrian crash, the CHP said.

Yandell said the Jeep had been parked and not driven since 2021. He denied the Jeep had been damaged and said he was not involved in the hit-and-run, according to the CHP release.

According to Madera County records, Yandell posted bail on three charges related to the hit-and-run death and his alleged attempt to conceal the crime. His first court hearing was scheduled for July 26.