Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Sunday, at approximately 5:00 am the on-call motor team was called out to fatal pedestrian crash located at Central Ave NW and Rio Grande Blvd NW. Through the on-scene investigation it was learned a male pedestrian was walking Eastbound on the North side of Central approaching Rio Grande Blvd.
A black Dodge Challenger was traveling Westbound on Central through Rio Grande Blvd at a high rate of speed. The black Dodge challenger lost control, striking the curb. The Black Dodge challenger continued onto the sidewalk where it struck the unidentified pedestrian. The black Dodge Challenger crashed into a power line pole and came to rest in the parking lot of Walgreens.
The driver of the black Dodge Challenger, who was later identified as Jonathan Jessi Sandoval (09-28-99) removed the license plate off of the vehicle and fled the scene of the crash. The Pedestrian who was struck suffered significant injuries and was declared deceased.
While processing the scene, Jonathan Sandoval returned to the scene and contacted officers. Officers with the DWI Unit conducted field sobriety tests on Jonathan. Jonathan was subsequently arrested for vehicular homicide (DWI Related) and tampering with evidence.
This is an on-going investigation. It appears speed an alcohol were contributing factors for this crash.
