The Midland Police Department (MPD) has arrested a 36-year-old male they believe may be responsible for a fatal hit-and-run late last month. Authorities arrested Danny Paul Rodriguez without incident on June 7 for his role in a vehicle collision with a pedestrian on Florida Avenue.
According to a press release issued by the city of Midland, the incident followed a physical altercation that took place outside of La Cantina at 200 E. Florida Ave. on May 27.
Shortly after the altercation spread into the eastbound lanes of the 200 block of East Florida, two pedestrians were hit by a midsize maroon Cadillac SUV allegedly operated by the suspect.
Midland Times reported that the vehicle's operator didn’t slow down for the victims but, according to a witness, instead fled the scene by turning north.
At the time, one pedestrian sustained life-threatening injuries while the other was listed in stable condition.
Police identified the fatality as 20-year-old Sergio Alejandro Regino Valdez, who succumbed to his injuries sustained in the hit-and-run.
After his death, authorities issued arrest warrants for Rodriguez.