MIDLAND, Texas — A fatal accident Tuesday evening led to the closure of Midland Drive near Dengar Avenue, according to the Midland Police Department.
Officers were called around 6:58 p.m. to the intersection of Midland Drive and Dengar for a report of a crash involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival, authorities discovered 67-year-old Liborio Garcia of Midland deceased in the northbound lanes of Midland Drive.
Investigators later located a 2021 Ford Escape with significant front-end damage and a broken windshield in the parking lot of the Summer Hill Apartments. Witnesses told police that two individuals exited the vehicle and left the scene.
“Preliminary findings indicate that Garcia was crossing Midland Drive from east to west when he was struck by the Ford Escape, which was traveling northbound in the inside lane,” MPD said.
Authorities later identified 23-year-old Jordan McLaughlin as a suspect. Investigators located McLaughlin at a nearby apartment. Police say he admitted to being the driver of the vehicle and leaving the scene without rendering aid. McLaughlin was arrested and booked into the Midland County Detention Center on a charge of collision involving death.
Midland Drive was temporarily closed in both directions while officers conducted their investigation. Traffic was diverted near Dengar Avenue, and motorists were advised to seek alternate routes.
