Mandan Man Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident

Bail set at $30,000 cash or $50,000 surety bond for Garrett Kuntz in initial court appearance

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:28am

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Garrett Kuntz, a 22-year-old man from Mandan, North Dakota, has been charged with manslaughter and duty in accident involving death or personal injury after allegedly striking and killing a pedestrian along Interstate 94 west of Valley City in December. Kuntz made his initial court appearance on March 12th, where a judge set his bail at $30,000 cash or $50,000 cash surety bond.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious legal consequences drivers can face for failing to fulfill their duties after a fatal accident, even if the initial collision was accidental. It also underscores the importance of law enforcement working with the public to gather evidence and identify suspects in hit-and-run incidents.

The details

Kuntz is accused of striking and killing 27-year-old Jerson Mejia of Honduras along I-94 in the early morning hours of December 21st. An anonymous tip led police to identify Kuntz as the driver, and they found evidence like a damaged bug shield in the ditch near Mejia's body. Kuntz is facing Class B felony charges that carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

  • The incident occurred in the early morning hours of December 21, 2025.
  • Kuntz made his initial court appearance on March 12, 2026.
  • A preliminary hearing or arraignment for Kuntz is set for April 23, 2026 at 1pm.

The players

Garrett Kuntz

A 22-year-old man from Mandan, North Dakota who has been charged with manslaughter and duty in accident involving death or personal injury.

Jerson Mejia

A 27-year-old man from Honduras who was struck and killed by Kuntz's vehicle along Interstate 94 in December 2025.

Judge Nick Thornton

The Southeast Judicial District judge who set Kuntz's bail at $30,000 cash or $50,000 cash surety bond during his initial court appearance.

North Dakota Highway Patrol

The law enforcement agency that led the investigation into the fatal hit-and-run incident and identified Kuntz as the driver.

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What’s next

A preliminary hearing or arraignment for Kuntz is set for Thursday, April 23rd at 1pm in the Barnes County Courthouse in Valley City.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious legal consequences drivers can face for failing to fulfill their duties after a fatal accident, even if the initial collision was accidental. It underscores the importance of law enforcement working with the public to gather evidence and identify suspects in hit-and-run incidents.