A Guam Police officer is facing multiple felony charges in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that killed bicyclist John Carlos Daniel Yangco Haas on Nov. 30, in Tamuning. Prosecutors charged Derrick Florenzo Atan with vehicular homicide while driving impaired, vehicular homicide, negligent homicide, vehicular negligence, failure to assist an injured person, making a false report, and driving while impaired, according to court documents filed in the Superior Court of Guam.
Police said the crash occurred around 2:10 a.m. on Route 14 near Hornet Sporting Goods when Haas, who was riding an electric bicycle, was struck by an orange Ford F-150. Haas was transported to Guam Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators determined the bicycle was later struck and dragged by a silver Toyota RAV4 after the initial impact. Surveillance footage and witness statements identified the orange F-150 as the primary striking vehicle.
Authorities later located Atan’s damaged orange Ford F-150 following a separate reported collision in Dededo. Investigators determined the reported crash into a power pole was staged and did not match the vehicle’s damage pattern. Police said Atan admitted to drinking at two bars the night of the crash and could not recall his route home. A witness also told officers Atan appeared intoxicated. He was arrested on Dec. 4.
Prosecutors argued Atan is a danger to the public and a flight risk, citing the severity of the charges and the potential for up to 27 years in prison if convicted on all counts. During his magistrate hearing, the court ordered Atan held on $20,000 cash bail.