A hit-and-run incident in the 100 block of Craig St. in Sulphur Springs on Friday evening led to the arrest of 32-year-old Laura Mendez of Sulphur Springs.
The incident unfolded when a Sulphur Springs officer, responding to a call about a hit-and-run, spotted a white SUV with a front bumper dragging along the road. Suspecting the vehicle might be involved, the officer pursued it and eventually stopped it in the 600 block of Gilmer St.
Upon identifying the driver as Laura Mendez, the officer checked for any outstanding warrants. It was confirmed that Mendez had warrants against her. Further investigation revealed that the front bumper of the victim's vehicle, with its license plate still attached, was stuck to the front of Mendez's SUV.
Mendez claimed she was in the area to inform her husband about the incident, but a witness passing by the traffic stop confirmed Mendez's vehicle was responsible for the hit-and-run.
Mendez failed to fulfill legal requirements following a car accident by not contacting the owner of the vehicle she hit, reporting the accident, or leaving her contact information.
Laura Mendez was booked into the Hopkins County Detention Center on charges of Duty on Striking Unattended Vehicle and Driving While License Invalid. Her bond was set at $10,000.
