After burying his son in Indiana yesterday and learning Honolulu police had made an arrest in the fatal hit-and-run that killed him, the victim's father thought of what he'd like to ask the suspect.

"I'd like to look the guy in the eye," Army Staff Sgt. David Aldridge said today from Jeffersonville, Ind., "and ask him why he didn't stop to help my son. I don't know how much (my son) suffered. ... To leave anyone in that kind of condition is appalling to me."

More than 150 family and friends from Germany and across the country gathered for yesterday's funeral of David Wayne Aldridge II, 18, who was struck by a van while riding his bicycle on Kamehameha Highway near Dole Plantation at 1:35 a.m. on July 22.

The family was relieved to learn of yesterday's arrest of Arnel Ulep Abuluyan, 37, of Waialua, an installer for Abbey Carpet & Floors in Waiau, and the seizure of a company van from Kuroda Auto Body in Waipi'o, according to Sgt. Aldridge.

"If they have the right guy, we're satisfied," Sgt. Aldridge said.

Aldridge added, "Nothing will bring my son back, but it makes our family feel better that justice may be served upon him. We're very relieved that progress has been made. We're confident (the Honolulu Police Department) has been doing the best it can."

Sgt. Aldridge thought of his son's life during the service.

"I thought about all the things he could've been in life and won't be able to do now," he said. "My son was a bright young man with a future."

The Aldridge family plans to return to Hawai'i Aug. 20 and have asked Schofield officials to help them thank the public for their support, the sergeant said.

Abuluyan, who was arrested at his home at 2:30 p.m. yesterday, is facing negligent homicide and failure-to-render aid charges. He was not charged but was still being held at the main police station cellblock today.