FOLLOWING the release of new video footage on Thursday afternoon, the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol investigators have identified and located the vehicle involved in a hit-and-run incident in front of BankPacific in Garapan on Sept. 1, 2025. The accident left a 36-year-old pedestrian injured.
DPS has scheduled a press briefing regarding the case for 10 a.m. today, Friday.
The video footage shows an older dark-colored Toyota Camry with a light-colored fender driving along Alaihai Avenue in Garapan that evening. The driver stopped briefly at an apartment complex behind the Horiguchi building to drop off a female passenger before continuing south.
In a statement, DPS public information officer Fred Sato said: “The vehicle seen in the latest footage has been identified and located by DPS Highway Patrol investigators.”
Whether the driver has been identified and detained has not been disclosed.
In an earlier interview, DPS Highway Patrol Sergeant Adrian Mendiola explained: “We had footage of the vehicle heading south on Beach Road and making a left [turn] after the Kristo Rai Church. We have our officers out there still scanning for vehicles and checking for possible damage to the front right bumper of the vehicle.”
According to DPS, the victim is in stable condition.
“He’s talking, he’s recovering well, and we’re still following up with him,” Mendiola said. “Any information from the public at this point would really be helpful,” he added.
Mendiola also urged the driver of another vehicle that witnessed the hit-and-run to come forward.
“If you could come up to us, you’re not in trouble. But you have some vital information that could help this investigation,” he said.
He further reminded motorists and pedestrians about safety in Garapan’s busy crosswalk areas.
“We encourage anyone traveling in Garapan, where there is a lot of pedestrian activity, to slow down and take an extra look when approaching the clearly marked crosswalks,” Mendiola said.
To pedestrians, he added: “Please be advised that when you are at the pedestrian crosswalk, it does not necessarily give you the right of way. You must also yield to vehicles. Just because there’s a crosswalk doesn’t mean you can run across. Do not wait for just one car to stop — wait for all the cars to stop. When you see everybody stop at the same time, that’s when it’s safe to cross.”
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the DPS Highway Patrol Office at (670) 664-9085.
Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at (670) 234-7272 or submit a tip online at www.nmicrimestoppers.net/.
