Las Cruces man struck & killed while trying to retrieve dog; hit & run driver facing charges

UPDATE: A 28-year-old pedestrian struck by a car in a hit-and-run has died from his injuries, Las Cruces police said Wednesday, adding that the driver of the vehicle has now been identified and will face charges.

Investigators said Fernando Padilla's dog had wandered out into traffic on Lohman Avenue and he was trying to retrieve his pet when he was hit.

Padilla later died at UMC in El Paso after being flown there from the scene. The dog was also injured and is being cared for by a friend of Padilla’s, police said.

A 34-year-old driver, who police indicated left the scene before officers arrived, has since come forward. Investigators said charges against the driver, whose identity was not released, are pending following interviews with that person and other witnesses to the deadly incident.

ORIGINAL REPORT: LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and seriously injured in what Las Cruces police said was a hit and run in front of a popular eatery Tuesday night.

The incident happened outside the Texas Roadhouse restaurant in the 2200 block of E. Lohman Avenue at S. Walnut Street.

The victim was flown by helicopter to University Medical Center in El Paso for treatment of serious injuries.

Police said they were searching for the car that fled the scene.