A piece of the bug deflector believed to be a match to Kuntz's truck. NDHP / Contributed
A 22-year-old Mandan man is facing charges in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a pedestrian eight miles west of Valley City last month.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol identified Garret Kuntz as the driver involved in the December 21st crash that killed 27-year-old Jerson Mejia of Honduras. After a call to the public for information, investigators say an anonymous tip led them to Kuntz’s 2001 Ford F-250, which matched the vehicle parts, including a shattered bug deflector, found at the scene.
Highway Patrol received several 911 calls from drivers that spotted Mejia walking along eastbound Interstate 94 the night of December 20th. He reportedly declined assistance from law enforcement. His body was discovered in a ditch near mile marker 282 the following afternoon. Charges against Kuntz are currently under review by the Barnes County State’s Attorney.
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