9 hours ago
Big Spring man arrested after allegedly hitting juvenile, crashing while drunk
BIG SPRING, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly striking a juvenile with his truck while intoxicated and then attempting to flee the scene Monday morning in Big Spring.
According to the Big Spring Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 700 block of East 11th Street around 9 a.m. on Monday, June 9, for reports of a pedestrian-involved crash.
Investigators said a white Dodge Ram 2500 had hit a juvenile and then continued driving, eventually striking a telephone pole in the 400 block of East 11th. A witness reportedly confronted the driver and removed the keys from the ignition to stop him from leaving before police arrived.
The driver, identified as 43-year-old Arturo Vela, was taken into custody at the scene. Police said he showed signs of intoxication and had an open container inside the vehicle.
Vela is charged with driving while intoxicated, third or more with an open container, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The assault charge stems from the impact with the juvenile, police said.
The child was taken to Scenic Mountain Medical Center with minor injuries and has since been released.
The case remains under investigation, according to Big Spring Police Chief Chad Williams.
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