Man allegedly hit 2 pedestrians, 1 fatally, and said he didn’t stop because he was 'tired'

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (TCN) -- A 61-year-old man faces charges after allegedly hitting two pedestrians, killing one, and not stopping after the impact because he was "tired."

According to New Mexico State Police, on the night of July 3, officers responded to a fatal hit-and-run and learned "two pedestrians were crossing the road when they were struck by a Ford Ranger traveling at a high rate of speed." One of the victims was transported to the hospital for critical injuries, while the other, Graciela Sahs, died at the scene.

State police said the driver fled, and authorities issued a "Be On the Lookout" (BOLO) for the vehicle. Sunland Park Police later found the Ford Ranger damaged underneath a tarp at a home. Officials reportedly concluded the damage was consistent with the hit-and-run crash scene.

State police identified the suspected driver as Vincente Vasquez. He allegedly told a relative "he had 'killed' someone near the casino."

Vasquez reportedly admitted in an interview that he thought he struck a dog and "did not stop after the impact because he was tired." He also allegedly said he covered the vehicle with a tarp to hide the damage.

Vasquez was arrested and faces charges of 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, and tampering with evidence.

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