A Chelsea man was held on high bail today following his arraignment on charges that he was drunk when he drove into 36-year-old Julio Vaquerano in Chelsea last month, then left the scene, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

LUIS GABRIEL ESCALANTE (D.O.B. 1/30/88) was arraigned in Chelsea District Court this afternoon on charges of felony motor vehicle homicide, leaving the scene of an accident causing death, and operating under the influence of alcohol. Assistant District Attorney Gregory Henning of Conley’s Major Felony Bureau recommended that he be held on $250,000 cash bail; Judge Sabita Singh set bail at $100,000.

Escalante was arrested last night amid an ongoing investigation by Chelsea Police detectives and State Police homicide detectives assigned to Conley’s office. Escalante made statements indicating that he had been operating his gray 2003 Dodge Neon in the area of Blossom and Maple streets at about 10:00 on the night of Dec. 14, Henning said in court today. Escalante also allegedly stated that he had been drinking beforehand, the prosecutor said.

Chelsea Police responding to a 911 call that night found Vaquerano at the scene suffering from major trauma, including serious head injuries, consistent with being struck by a motor vehicle. The Revere man was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Chelsea Police notified the Suffolk County State Police Detective Unit, which has jurisdiction over all death investigations in Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. The Suffolk SPDU joined the investigation and was assisted by the State Police Crime Scene Services Section and Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section.

Authorities said the investigation was still ongoing, however, and urged anyone with information on the incident to contact Chelsea Police detectives at 617-466-2864 or State Police at 617-727-8817. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous may call the 24-hour CrimeStoppers tip line at 617-466-4880, text the word CHELSEA and their information to TIP411 (847411) from a cellular phone, or submit information online at www.ChelseaPolice.com.

Escalante was represented today by attorney Paul Anthony. He will return to court on Feb. 28.