Big Spring, TX — A 43-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly hitting a juvenile with his truck while intoxicated and then attempting to flee the scene early Monday morning, according to the Big Spring Police Department.
Officers were dispatched to the 700 block of East 11th Street around 9:00 a.m. on June 9 following reports of a crash involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival, investigators learned that a white Dodge Ram 2500 had struck a juvenile and continued driving before crashing into a telephone pole in the 400 block of East 11th Street.
A witness at the scene intervened by confronting the driver and removing the keys from the ignition, preventing him from leaving the area before authorities arrived.
Police identified the driver as Arturo Vela, 43, who reportedly exhibited signs of intoxication. Officers also discovered an open container inside the vehicle.
Vela was taken into custody and is now facing several charges, including driving while intoxicated (third or more offense) with an open container, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The assault charge stems from the collision with the juvenile, according to investigators.
The injured child was transported to Scenic Mountain Medical Center with minor injuries and has since been released.
Big Spring Police Chief Chad Williams confirmed that the incident remains under active investigation.
