CHELSEA – A Chelsea man was held on $100,000 bail Thursday following his arraignment on charges that he drove drunk when he hit and killed Revere resident Julio Vaquerano last month.Luis Gabriel Escalante, 22, was arraigned in Chelsea District Court on charges of felony motor vehicle homicide, leaving the scene of an accident causing death and operating under the influence of alcohol.Escalante was arrested on Wednesday night as the result of an ongoing investigation by Chelsea police detectives and State police homicide detectives assigned to Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley.Escalante made statements in court that he had been driving his gray 2003 Dodge Neon in the area of Blossom and Maple streets around 10 p.m., on Dec. 14 and that he had allegedly been drinking beforehand.The night of the accident, Chelsea police responded to a 911 call and found Vaquerano suffering from major trauma, including serious head injuries, which were consistent with being hit by a motor vehicle.He was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.Despite the arrest, authorities say the investigation remains ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact Chelsea police detectives at 617-466-2864 or State police at 617-727-8817.Those who wish to remain anonymous can call the 24-hour CrimeStoppers tip line at 617-466-4880 or text the word CHELSEA and the information to TIP411 (847411) from a cellular phone, or submit information through the Web site www.chelseapolice.comEscalante was represented by attorney Paul Anthony. He is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 28.
