A 33-year-old Albuquerque man is facing charges after police say he struck and killed a woman with an SUV, left the crash scene and later returned after his father urged him to go back.
The crash happened around 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, near Central Avenue and Texas Street in southeast Albuquerque. Police said the female pedestrian died at the scene. Her identity had not been publicly released in the latest reports.
According to the criminal complaint, Demetrius Thomas was driving a gray Ford SUV east on Central Avenue when the vehicle struck the woman as she was crossing the roadway. Surveillance video from an Albuquerque transit bus was reviewed by investigators and showed the SUV traveling between lanes before the collision.
After the crash, police said Thomas did not remain at the scene. He allegedly drove about 0.6 miles to his apartment and contacted his father, asking him to pick him up.
Instead, his father directed him to return to the crash location.
When officers arrived, Thomas’ father reportedly flagged them down and pointed toward the SUV. He told officers that his son was responsible for the crash, according to the complaint.
The SUV had visible damage to the front end, including damage around the passenger-side bumper and hood. Investigators also noted that the windshield was heavily damaged on the passenger side.
Police Say Driver Admitted Drinking
Thomas initially told investigators that he had not consumed anything that could have affected his ability to drive. Later, while officers were placing him into a patrol vehicle, he allegedly acknowledged drinking one shot of Admiral Nelson rum earlier that morning.
Police said Thomas also underwent field sobriety testing and showed signs that led officers to determine he was impaired.
During questioning, Thomas allegedly gave investigators his account of what happened. He said the woman ran into the roadway, that he tried to brake and that he became frightened after the collision.
He also acknowledged that he went home after the crash instead of remaining at the scene.
Investigators later reviewed transit-bus surveillance footage as part of the investigation. Police said the video showed the pedestrian crossing Central Avenue before she began running and was struck on the passenger side of the SUV. Authorities said she died at the scene.
Charges Filed in Fatal Crash
Thomas was arrested and booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center. He faces charges including homicide by vehicle involving DWI and knowingly leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death.
The case remains based on allegations in the criminal complaint, and the charges are not a finding of guilt. Court proceedings will determine how the case moves forward.
The crash occurred along a portion of Central Avenue that has been the focus of ongoing pedestrian-safety concerns. Albuquerque Journal reporting noted that the stretch of Central between San Mateo and Eubank has recorded dozens of pedestrian deaths since 2018, adding to the broader concern surrounding pedestrian safety in the area.
