On Tuesday, Feb. 18, at approximately 11:19 p.m., the Archuleta Combined Dispatch Center received a report of a pedestrian possibly struck by a motor vehicle on U.S. 160 near the intersection with Great West Avenue.
Pagosa Springs Police Department, Pagosa Springs Medical Center EMS and Pagosa Fire Protection District personnel responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, Pagosa Springs police officers located a male subject partially in the roadway. Officers immediately administered lifesaving efforts until EMS arrived. Despite attempts to revive him, the male subject was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The pedestrian has been identified as 46-year-old Phillip Montoya, of Pagosa Springs.
The vehicle involved in the incident fled the scene. Through a detailed investigation, officers identified the type of vehicle involved. Subsequently, officers located the vehicle and identified the driver as 42-year-old Merenda Romine, of Pagosa Springs.
Based on the investigation, there is probable cause to believe alcohol was a contributing factor. Romine was taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, including:
This investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is urged to contact Pagosa Springs Police Department Assistant Chief Brooks Brown at (970) 264-4151, ext. 246 or the Archuleta County Combined Dispatch Center at (970) 264-2160.
