Fatal Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Crash Closes Central; Driver Flees Scene

Albuquerque –

Around 1:30 PM, officers with the Albuquerque Police Department and Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded to a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash near Central Ave and Texas St.

The vehicle involved in the crash reportedly fled the scene. While officers were en route, they were advised that a bystander was performing CPR on the pedestrian.

Upon arrival, officers and AFR medical crews located one person who was determined to be beyond life-saving measures.

APD’s Motor Unit is responding to investigate the fatal pedestrian crash.

Central is currently closed between Pennsylvania and Utah. Closures are subject to change. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area and seek an alternate route.

ART buses have been affected by this crash and its subsequent investigation and road closures.

If we learn more about this accident, we will update you.

UPDATE:

Just after 2:20 PM, while we were on scene, a female driver returned to the area in a gray Ford Escape that had sustained heavy front-end damage. The driver and a male passenger are being questioned by APD officers in connection with the hit-and-run crash.

UPDATE 2:

The Albuquerque Police Department released an update stating:

“Through the investigation, it was discovered that a female pedestrian was crossing south across Central Ave, east of Texas.  A silver Ford SUV traveling east on Central struck into the pedestrian and fled the scene. The pedestrian, who has not yet been identified, died at the scene. 

The driver of the SUV, identified as Demetrius Thomas, 33, later returned to the scene and was arrested for Homicide by Motor Vehicle, Driving While Intoxicated and Leaving the Scene of an Accident resulting in Death.”