Jarred Reza Killed in Hit-and-Run on Mesa Street in El Paso, TX
El Paso, TX — November 20, 2022, 42-year-old pedestrian Jarred Reza was fatally hit by a vehicle while crossing Mesa Street in El Paso.
Authorities say the incident happened early Sunday morning on Mesa Street near Kern Drive. Preliminary investigation suggests Reza was walking across the road outside of a crosswalk when he was struck and killed by a passing vehicle. The driver fled the scene briefly but returned after about an hour and was arrested.
The investigation continues. No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Jarred Reza Accident on Mesa St in El Paso
People sometimes aren't charitable to pedestrians after accidents like this, saying "either they were in a crosswalk or they were at fault" as though that somehow excuses hitting a jaywalker. Obviously the law doesn't share that point of view, and instead takes into account all the variables of an accident. No matter what's determined by a careful investigation, though, nothing excuses the driver from fleeing the scene after the collision.
So why did he do that? Hopefully investigators will find out, but typically drivers flee the scene either because they panic or because they have something to hide. Drug possession, suspended or missing licenses, active warrants, and drunk driving are among the most common things they'd prefer to keep to themselves, but they're not the only ones. Regardless, if there was more going on here than failing to stop and render aid it's critical to find that out. Everyone responsible for the loss of a man's life should be held properly accountable for their part.
