Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run accident | Local news

Caro-Chavez, who lived about a block away, was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into Caro-Chavez’s death is ongoing, and the Office of the Medical Investigator will perform an autopsy.

The alleged driver of the SUV, 25-year-old Santiago Hernandez of Roswell, was charged with negligent homicide, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving and driving without a license.

According to the criminal complaint filed against Hernandez, police later determined that Hernandez had a New Mexico identification card but did not have a driver’s license.

On Monday, Assistant District Attorney Renee Broberg filed a motion to keep Hernandez in custody pending trial.

“This incident demonstrates that he (Hernandez) has no regard for the safety of others and knowingly makes life-threatening decisions, putting the public at undeniable risk,” Broberg said in the motion.

Court records did not list an attorney for Hernandez who could be reached for comment on the case before press time Monday.

Electronic court records show police were called to the scene at about 9:18 a.m. after a report of a pedestrian. Two witnesses told police that a red SUV was weaving through traffic and nearly colliding with two other vehicles before striking the woman. The vehicle then fled north on Main Street.

According to the criminal complaint filed against Hernandez, witnesses said the pedestrian tried to avoid the SUV but was unable to do so.

Hernandez was arrested several blocks away after police observed him allegedly driving a red SUV with damage to the front bumper and left front tire. Police observed the vehicle in the 1800 block of North Main Street and attempted to stop it.

The complaint states that Hernandez continued driving north until he stopped at the 2100 block of North Main Street. As officers approached the vehicle, the complaint states, they smelled alcohol coming from the vehicle and Hernandez had bloodshot eyes.

In her motion for remand, Broberg states that police later determined that Hernandez had a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.18, more than twice the legal limit.

When questioned by police, Santiago stated, according to the complaint, that he was on his way home from visiting his father and was driving at the speed limit on Main Street when he saw a person walking in front of him.

“Santiago stated that he stopped his vehicle but did not feel any impact prior to stopping and stated that he did not see anyone so he continued driving north,” the complaint states.

Santiago added that he decided to stop when he saw police units behind him with blue lights and sirens on.

When questioned by police, Santiago admitted to drinking two “can-sized” beers and that he last drank alcohol at 4 a.m.