Teen Driver Charged After Hit-and-Run Critically Injures Two Juveniles in West Texas

On October 31, 2024, at approximately 9:05 p.m., authorities responded to a major accident in the 500 block of East Austin Street in Kermit, where two juvenile pedestrians had been struck by a vehicle, sustaining critical injuries. Officials with the Winkler County Sheriff’s Office, Kermit Police Department, and Winkler County EMS arrived at the scene to provide emergency assistance.

The driver involved in the incident, identified as 17-year-old Daniel Muniz of Kermit, allegedly failed to stop at the scene of the collision and did not attempt to check on the condition of the two victims. After failing to remain on-site as required by Texas law, Muniz reportedly fled the scene. A Good Samaritan who witnessed the incident pursued Muniz’s vehicle and promptly notified authorities of its location, allowing Kermit Police to locate and apprehend Muniz without further incident.

The two juveniles, whose identities have not been released, were initially transported to Winkler County Memorial Hospital with major traumatic injuries. Due to the severity of their conditions, both were later airlifted to Lubbock, where they remain in critical condition.

Following his apprehension, Muniz was charged by the Kermit Police Department with two counts of Accident Involving Serious Bodily Injury, each a third-degree felony.