A woman crossing Central Avenue in Southeast Albuquerque was struck and killed Friday afternoon by a Ford SUV whose driver fled the scene before returning, according to police. The Albuquerque Police Department's fatal crash unit arrested 33-year-old Demetrius Thomas in connection with the death, charging him with homicide by vehicle, driving while intoxicated, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
The crash happened at Central Avenue and Texas Street, according to 96.3 KKOB. Police say the pedestrian, a woman, was crossing south across Central Avenue east of Texas Street when the SUV, which had been traveling east on Central, struck her.
Driver Fled, Then Came Back
After the collision, the Ford SUV fled the area, per the same account. Thomas later returned to the crash scene, where the fatal crash unit took him into custody. The woman died at the scene and had not been identified in the reporting on the case.
Separately, KRQE also reported that a pedestrian died in the Southeast Albuquerque crash, consistent with the account of the fatal collision at Central and Texas.
What the Charges Mean
Thomas now faces three charges tied to the crash: homicide by vehicle, driving while intoxicated, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. Under state law, homicide by vehicle is defined as the killing of a human being in the unlawful operation of a motor vehicle, according to the New Mexico Legislature. It remains unknown whether Thomas has entered a plea or what, if any, outcome his case has reached in court.
