SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KRQE) — New Mexico State Police has charged a man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run involving two pedestrians in Sunland Park. Vincente Vasquez, 51, is the suspected driver, according to NMSP.
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Vasquez has been taken into custody and charged with the following:
- Homicide by vehicle
- Knowingly leaving the scene of an accident with great bodily harm or death
- Failure to give information and render aid
- Failure to give immediate notice of an accident
- Tampering with evidence
The charges stem back to July 3 at about 10:47 p.m. when NMSP officers were dispatched to Sunland Park Drive and Appaloosa Drive. Investigation revealed the two pedestrians were crossing the road when they were struck by a maroon Ford Ranger that was speeding. One of the pedestrians was critically injured and taken to the hospital. The other pedestrian, identified as Graciela Sahs, died from her injures on the scene. The driver fled.
A BOLO was issued. The suspect vehicle was later found beneath a tarp at a home in Sunland Park. Evidence and damage were consistent with findings from the crash scene. The suspected driver was then identified as Vasquez. According to NMPS, Vasquez told family members he had “killed” someone near the casino.
When questioned, Vasquez admitted his involvement in the crash, saying he thought he hit a dog and that he did not stop because he was tired, NMPS says. He admitted to hiding the damage with the tarp…