Anchorage man charged after fatal crash

Jack Antonio Sabàto, 32, appeared in Anchorage court on Thursday to answer charges stemming from a fatal hit-and-run. He faces a felony count for leaving an accident without assisting and a misdemeanor count for leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death.

The incident occurred near the Blood Bank of Alaska on Airport Heights Drive. Prosecutors state that surveillance video shows a white Chevrolet Tahoe striking pedestrian Carl Simmonds around 5:35 a.m. on Monday. Officers responded to a body on the sidewalk at 5:48 a.m. The charging document notes that no braking was observed before or after the collision.

Police traced the vehicle to Sabàto and located it at an Amazon warehouse around 12:45 p.m. with fresh damage to the front-right corner. Officers obtained a warrant to seize the Tahoe. Sabàto called police at 2:46 p.m. to report striking an animal. He told officers he was doing late-night DoorDash deliveries and knew he hit something but did not realize it was a person.

According to the charging document, Sabàto said he did not stop to check because he was scared and lacked insurance. He also stated he called police only after his girlfriend informed him the vehicle had been taken. The Alaska Public Safety Information Network showed no prior state convictions for Sabàto.

Sabàto is the son of actors Antonio Sabàto Jr. and Virginia Madsen. Sabàto Jr., known for his role on General Hospital, posted a statement to his Facebook page on Wednesday. He offered condolences to Simmonds' family and asked the public to respect his family's privacy. Sabàto Jr. said, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well.”

At a hearing on Tuesday, defense attorneys challenged the state's characterization of the case. They argued that Sabàto had contacted police and cooperated with investigators. The attorneys requested lower bail and a no-driving condition, citing Sabàto's lack of criminal history.

The judge set bail at $5,000 cash performance and $5,000 unsecured appearance. The unsecured amount does not have to be posted but could be assessed if Sabàto fails to appear. The court ordered Sabàto not to drive, sit in a vehicle's driver's seat, or possess vehicle keys.

The Blood Bank of Alaska is reviewing whether to release the crash footage publicly. Simmonds' family declined to speak to reporters. The judge scheduled Sabàto's next pre-indictment hearing for Dec. 3.