By Alice Haymond

Lexington police arrested a man yesterday in connection with the April 13 hit-and-run that killed UK freshman Connie Blount.

Shannon Houser, 36, was arrested on charges of tampering with physical evidence and leaving the scene of an accident, according to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Division of Community Corrections.

Blount’s father, Jack Blount, said police called him about the arrest of Houser, who they said owned the light-colored truck that was impounded last week. When they impounded the truck, police told Blount they were looking for forensic evidence that could determine if it was involved in the incident that killed his daughter.

Police could not be reached before press time yesterday.

Blount said he was pleased the police have made such quick progress in the investigation of his daughter’s death.

“I’m very surprised and very hopeful,” he said. “I know police have worked very diligently on this case.”

But Blount said he does not feel any closure or sense of justice with the arrest.

Blount said he is glad someone was arrested, but he is disappointed with the charges and said he hopes whoever is guilty will be convicted on more serious charges for killing his daughter.

Connie Blount, 18, of Park City, Utah, was crossing the intersection of South Broadway and West Maxwell Street at about 2:15 a.m. when a pickup truck, described by police as a light-colored extended-cab Chevrolet, hit her and then fled south on South Broadway, police said April 13. Blount died from her injuries hours later at UK Medical Center.

Police said they suspect Blount and her friend, a male in his late teens or early 20s, were crossing at a crosswalk while the light was green for vehicles. Police said the two had been drinking that night, but they do not think that Blount and her friend had enough to impair their ability to walk home safely.

Blount’s body underwent an autopsy April 13. Toxicology reports that will show whether she was intoxicated will not be available for another one to three months.

Houser’s arraignment before the Fayette District Court is scheduled for 1 p.m. on May 13.