According to Socorro Police Chief Angel Garcia, a fatal accident on Sept. 19 involving a pedestrian was not a hit-and-run accident. There had been speculation on social media that the driver of the vehicle involved had fled the scene,

Jose “Joe” Benavidez, 74, was fatally struck by a vehicle at the Socorro Plaza at around 8:20 p.m. and the driver and vehicle involved were identified.

Garcia stated that the incident is under investigation and the next of kin has been notified of Benavidez’s passing.

Chieftain Staff Report