Suspect in Fatal Seekonk Hit and Run Arrested, Victim Identified

SEEKNONK — An East Providence man has been arrested as the result of an investigation into a hit-and-run accident that killed a woman in Seekonk last night.

The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office says the alleged driver in the incident, 27-year-old Jeremy Schmidt, was taken into custody at approximately 4:30 a.m. Friday morning by Rhode Island State Police. He will be arraigned in Rhode Island this morning as a Fugitive from Justice.

A 37-year-old Seekonk woman, identified as Antonieta Vargas was struck by the vehicle while walking along Newman Avenue in Seekonk with her 11-year-old son. Vargas has died as a result of her injuries.

The District Attorney’s Office says Schmidt did not stop his vehicle, a Jeep Cherokee, after the crash and fled across state lines after striking the victim.

Seekonk Police responded to the area of 893 Newman Avenue Thursday night around 6:46 p.m. When first responders arrived, they found a male passerby rendering aid to Vargas.

The case is being investigated by Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to this office, prosecutor, Seekonk Police and Rhode Island State Police.