Affidavit: Hit-and-run driver fled scene; ‘freaked out’ because she had no driver’s license

The alleged hit-and-run driver accused of striking and killing a pedestrian in West El Paso allegedly told police she drove away without stopping to help because “she freaked out” and did not have a driver’s license, a criminal complaint states.

Police said Angela Marie Kirscheman, 31, is the driver of the 2011 Dodge Journey that struck 27-year-old Miguel Pereda Silerio on the 7200 block of N. Mesa. The wreck happened at about 7:05 p.m. on Saturday, March, 2, 2019. Kirscheman was charged with Accident Involving Personal Injury or Death.

Police said the preliminary investigation revealed Silerio was on the cross walk when he was struck. The man was rushed to University Medical Center where he died. Police said Kirscheman failed to stop and render aid after she struck Silerio.

The criminal complaint states that two days after the wreck, police received a tip with the Facebook profile for Kirscheman. With the help of the profile, detectives were able to obtain Kirscheman’s full name, date of birth and address. Investigators also learned Kirscheman’s registered vehicle is a white 2011 Dodge Journey, the same make, model and color of the vehicle suspected in the deadly hit-and-run.

Police conducted surveillance at the woman’s last known address, but could not locate Kirscheman or the Dodge Journey. Police would go on to locate the vehicle at the parking lot at 5712 Chromite, a court document states. “The Dodge Journey had damage to the front left corner and windshield,” the criminal complaint states, “The Dodge Journey was also missing a fog light cover, which matched the part that investigators had from the scene.”

At the time, police released a grainy surveillance photo of the Dodge Journey to the public and media. The driver’s identity was not released.

On March 6, 2019, police received a call from Kirscheman’s attorney, who allegedly said his client was the hit-and-run driver and wanted to meet with investigators. On March 7, 2019, investigators met with Kirscheman, who allegedly said she was driving on Mesa when “Mr. Pereda Silerio jumped in front of her vehicle,” the criminal complaint states.

The court document further states, “The defendant stated she freaked out because she did not have a driver’s license and her children were with a friend.”

Kirscheman, the document states, fled the scene and drove to 5712 Chromite, parked the vehicle and stayed at a friend’s house.

Police said Kirscheman had ten outstanding municipal warrants at the time of her arrest. She was jailed on a $27,600 bond.