Barnes County, ND – A suspect driver has been identified in a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run that occurred last month along Interstate 94 in Barnes County, according to an update released Sunday by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
According to the Highway Patrol, investigators received an anonymous tip from the public that ultimately led them to locate the suspect vehicle connected to the crash, which happened late Saturday, December 20, 2025, or early Sunday, December 21, 2025. The vehicle was found to have evidentiary value linking it to the incident .
Authorities identified the driver as Garret Kuntz, 22, of Mandan, who was operating a 2001 Ford F-250 at the time of the crash. The victim was identified as Jerson Mejia, 27, of Honduras, who was found deceased in a ditch near eastbound I-94 at mile marker 282, approximately eight miles west of Valley City.
Investigators say multiple 911 calls were made earlier that evening reporting a pedestrian walking along the interstate. Law enforcement had previously made contact with the individual, who declined assistance. The victim was discovered the following afternoon by a passerby, along with debris indicating a hit-and-run collision .
The Highway Patrol credited public cooperation for the break in the case, noting that tips focused on vehicle damage consistent with evidence recovered at the scene, including parts of a bug deflector and front-end damage.
Charges have been submitted and are pending review by the Barnes County State’s Attorney’s Office. The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details are being released at this time, officials said.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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