Arizona Man Was Driving Without Brakes Before Killing Pedestrian

Phoenix police say a 59-year-old Mesa man allegedly was driving a pickup with inoperable brakes when it struck and killed a pedestrian on a sidewalk.

A police affidavit said a passenger told investigators that David Crisostomo was falling asleep while driving before the Dec. 5 accident and she told him he should pull over.

Witnesses said Crisostomo had been attempting to use a cord attached to the truck’s emergency brake to stop the vehicle.

According to police, the master cylinder was empty of any fluid and the brake pedal went to the firewall without any resistance.

Crisostomo was arrested Thursday on suspicion of manslaughter and felony hit-and-run with death or injury. He didn’t have an attorney during a court appearance Friday. He was ordered held in lieu of $250,000 bond.