Las Cruces police are hoping newly released video and a Las Cruces Crime Stoppers reward of up to $1,000 will generate information that helps identify the driver responsible for Saturday’s hit-and-run crash that injured a 37-year-old woman.
Traffic investigators obtained a video of the hit-and-run vehicle from a Roadrunner Transit bus that was traveling east on Divot Avenue. The hit-and-run vehicle can be seen traveling south on Walton Boulevard moments before the crash. The video appears to show a 2000 model gold Honda Accord with an aftermarket front passenger-side fender that is either black or dark brown.
Investigators are analyzing the video and hope to obtain additional information that helps further identify the hit-and-run vehicle and its driver.
The crash occurred shortly before 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, at the intersection of Lohman Avenue and Walton Boulevard. Traffic investigators learned a 37-year-old woman was driving a motorized scooter north on Walton, crossing Lohman Avenue, when the scooter was struck by the Honda that was traveling south on Walton and turning left, or east, onto Lohman.
Witnesses told police the driver of the Honda briefly stopped near the McDonald’s restaurant but then fled the area and was last seen heading south on I-25.
The 37-year-old driver of the scooter was wearing a helmet and was tended to at the scene by several passers-by before emergency crews arrived. She was subsequently transported to MountainView Regional Medical Center. Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The hit-and-run vehicle may have front-end damage to the drivers side bumper, fender or hood. It’s likely the driver or owner of the Honda would have changed routines after the hit-and-run crash. The owner likely stopped driving the vehicle, changed its appearance, repaired the damage or is possibly concealing the vehicle until repairs can be made.
Anyone with information that can help police identify the driver, or knows the whereabouts of the hit-and-run vehicle, is asked to call Las Cruces police at (575) 526-0795. Tips can be provided anonymously by calling Las Cruces Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Tips can also be provided through the Las Cruces Crime Stoppers app, “P3 TIPS.” The app is available through the App Store on most devices.