Royce Atkins, 22, of Kathi Drive, has been arrested for the hit-and-run death of a 9-year-old boy in Hanover Township Nov. 6.

Colonial Regional Police Chief Roy Seiple made the announcement during a press conference at the municipal building Monday night.

After four days of investigation with the help of community tips, detectives identified Atkins as a suspect and discovered his damaged Mazda in the home garage.

Atkins was found at his workplace and allegedly admitted to hitting the child.

Seiple said around 6:30 p.m. Friday, Darious Condash, 9, of Suzanne Way in the township, had just purchased candy with friends at a Scheonersville Road Wawa. Accidentally dropping a piece on the roadway, he stopped to retrieve it and was struck by Atkins’ car. Atkins continued north without stopping.

Condash was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital, Fountain Hill, where he was pronounced dead about an hour after being struck.

The vehicle was described by witnesses as a silver or gray four-door with bright blue Xenon headlights. The car has a spoiler and a loud exhaust.

Atkins is charged with careless driving and accidents involving injury or death – a class two felony – and was remanded to Northampton County Prison on $50,000 bail.

Seiple said that following the accident, police received five to 10 calls a day about the car involved.

“It’s a tragedy for both families,” said Hanover Township Manager Jay Finnigan.

Glenn Walbert, chairman of the Colonial Regional Police Commission, said these are “trying circumstances,” but it is “gratifying to see the professionalism of our police department.”

Darious Condash was a fourth grade student at Sheckler ES in the Catasaqua School District.

“We are deeply saddened by the recent death of Darious Condash,” read a notice on the school district’s website. Grief counselors from the Lehigh Valley region have been at both Sheckler ES and Catasauqua MS throughout the week to provide support for students and staff.

“Please keep Darious’ family, friends, classmates, and teachers in your thoughts and prayers as we struggle with the loss of one of our precious young students,” the website posting continues. “Please check the Sheckler Elementary Facebook page for information on how you may assist Darious’ family during this most difficult time.”

Bernie O’Hare contributed to this story.