23-03-2025
Passenger ejected and killed; Driver flees, later arrested in Pecos County
PECOS COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- An early morning fatal crash on Friday has led to the arrest of a New Mexico man, following an hours-long manhunt in rural Pecos County.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the crash occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. Friday on North Stone Road. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2023 green Toyota Tacoma bearing New Mexico was involved in a rollover crash. The vehicle had only two occupants at the time of the incident.
The passenger, identified as 35-year-old Manuel Driver Garcia of Ft. Stockton, TX, was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials confirmed Garcia was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Nick Ronnie Armenta, a 32-year-old male from Farmington, New Mexico. Armenta reportedly called 911 after the crash but fled the scene on foot before law enforcement arrived. At the time, authorities believed he may have been attempting to return to the Farmington area.
An investigation was immediately launched, and two warrants were issued for Armenta's arrest:
Fail to Stop and Render Aid Resulting in Death – a Second-Degree Felony
Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon – a Class A Misdemeanor
Following a coordinated search effort, Texas DPS Troopers located Armenta near a man camp on Stone Road, not far from the site of the crash. He was taken into custody without further incident and transported to Pecos County Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the crash.
Upon his release from the hospital, Armenta will be booked into the Pecos County Detention Center on the outstanding charges.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether alcohol, drugs, or speed were factors.
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