Mandan Man Charged in Fatal Barnes County Hit-and-Run

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Barnes County State's Attorney Tonya Duffy has charged a 22-year-old Mandan man, Garret Kuntz, with manslaughter and duty to report charges in a hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian on Interstate 94 west of Valley City, North Dakota last December. The investigation, led by the highway patrol, identified Kuntz as the driver of a pickup that struck and killed 27-year-old Jerson Mejia of Honduras. An anonymous tip led authorities to Kuntz, and evidence including a damaged bug shield found at the scene linked him to the incident.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run crashes are a serious problem, especially on rural highways, as they can leave victims without aid and make it difficult for authorities to hold perpetrators accountable. This case highlights the importance of the public coming forward with information to help solve such crimes and bring closure to victims' families.

The details

According to the report, Kuntz is facing two Class B felony charges - manslaughter and duty in accident involving death or personal injury. The highway patrol investigation found that Mejia was struck and killed shortly after midnight on December 21st. Drivers had earlier reported seeing Mejia walking along the interstate, and law enforcement had checked on him, but he said he did not need assistance. Authorities were later alerted to the crash and found Mejia's body in the ditch. Evidence including a damaged bug shield led them to identify Kuntz as the driver of the pickup that hit Mejia.

• On December 20, drivers reported seeing Jerson Mejia walking along Interstate 94 west of Valley City.
• Shortly after midnight on December 21, Mejia was struck and killed in the hit-and-run crash.
• Mejia's body was found in the ditch later on December 21.

What’s next

The judge will decide on Kuntz's bail status at a hearing next week.