Police Reveal Victim Details in Possible Hit-and-Run Case

Ongoing Investigation into Fatal Hit-and-Run Collision

The Midland Police Department is actively seeking the driver responsible for a hit-and-run collision that led to the tragic death of 31-year-old Noraima Hernandez. According to police, Hernandez was jogging along the 3600 block of Thomason Drive when she was struck by a pickup truck. The incident occurred around 9:23 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, and has since sparked a thorough investigation.

Lt. Pete Dehlinger, from the MPD's traffic safety division, provided details about the incident during a press conference. He mentioned that surveillance footage from a neighbor was released as part of the ongoing inquiry. The case is being treated as a second-degree felony, and a $1,000 reward is available through Midland Crime Stoppers for any information leading to an arrest.

Dehlinger explained that officers have spoken with witnesses who confirmed that Hernandez was struck by a vehicle and that the driver fled the scene. However, the descriptions provided were limited. "The only information we have is that the vehicle went westbound on Thomason towards Midland Drive," he said. "Other than that, we don’t have much else."

Hernandez, described by the department as a wife and mother of three children, was reportedly on her way home when the accident happened. Dehlinger emphasized that the loss of life is deeply affecting the community. "She was trying to get back home, and unfortunately, she wasn't able to make it," he added.

Dehlinger also highlighted the legal obligation for drivers involved in accidents to stop and provide necessary information. "When you don’t do that, it turns into a crime," he said. "It is a failure to provide information, which is commonly known as a hit-and-run accident. When you are involved in an accident that causes death, it becomes a second-degree felony."

He urged the driver of the vehicle involved in the collision to come forward to help bring clarity to the events. "We need to get his or her side of the story to see exactly what happened, because at this point, we don’t know," Dehlinger said.

Pedestrian Safety Advice

In addition to the ongoing investigation, Dehlinger offered advice on pedestrian safety. He encouraged residents to be mindful of their surroundings and to cross only at designated crosswalks. "Don’t believe that just because legally you have the right of way that you should just step out in front of a vehicle or step out into the roadway," he said. "You have to always assume that the driver does not see you."

This mindset, according to Dehlinger, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. "If you keep that mindset, you will ensure that you are safe," he added.

Support for the Family

Dehlinger also expressed the department’s condolences to the family of Hernandez. "It’s hard to lose family members such as this, especially being a mother and a wife," he said. "The family deserves closure with this. They deserve to know what happened with their loved one. That's what we are striving for: to get that information."

The Midland Crime Stoppers program is offering a $1,000 reward for any tips that lead to an arrest or charges against those involved. For the tip to be eligible, it must be submitted through the Crime Stoppers hotline, mobile app, or website. Law enforcement must act on the tip to make an arrest or resolve the case. No other reporting methods are considered valid, and all callers remain anonymous.

Residents with information about the case are encouraged to contact the MPD Traffic Division directly at 432-685-7122. Additional details can be found by calling 694-TIPS, using the mobile app P3 TIPS, or visiting www.694tips.com.