Sunland Park, NM – A 61-year-old man is facing multiple charges after a deadly hit-and-run crash that occurred on the night of July 3rd in Sunland Park.
New Mexico State Police say the incident happened around 10:47 p.m. at the intersection of Sunland Park Drive and Appaloosa Drive. Two pedestrians were crossing the road when they were hit by a maroon Ford Ranger traveling at a high rate of speed.
One of the pedestrians, identified as Graciela Sahs, died at the scene. The second victim was critically injured and transported to a hospital for treatment. The driver drove off without stopping.
A BOLO (Be On the Look Out) was issued, and Sunland Park Police later located a damaged maroon Ford Ranger hidden under a tarp at a nearby residence. Investigators say the damage matched evidence from the crash scene.
The suspected driver, Vicente Vasquez, was identified and taken into custody. According to police, Vasquez told family members he had “killed someone near the casino” and later admitted to being involved in the crash. He claimed he believed he had hit a dog and did not stop because he was tired. He also admitted to hiding the vehicle under a tarp.
Vasquez has been charged with:
- 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 investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact New Mexico State Police.
