MIDLAND, Texas — A deadly pedestrian accident on Tuesday evening has left the Midland community shaken. Authorities confirmed that 67-year-old Liborio Garcia of Midland was fatally struck while crossing Midland Drive near Dengar Avenue. The crash prompted a temporary closure of the roadway as police investigated the tragic incident.
The Midland Police Department responded to reports of a crash at approximately 6:58 p.m. upon receiving calls about a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Officers arrived to find Garcia lying in the northbound lanes of Midland Drive. Emergency personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle with front-end damage and a broken windshield parked nearby, with two occupants fleeing the scene.
Investigators later identified the vehicle involved as a 2021 Ford Escape. Police determined that Garcia was crossing Midland Drive from east to west when the vehicle, traveling northbound in the inside lane, struck him. Authorities emphasized that preliminary findings indicate the collision was the result of the pedestrian being in the crosswalk while the vehicle failed to yield.
Shortly after the crash, 23-year-old Jordan McLaughlin was located at a nearby apartment. According to police, McLaughlin admitted to being the driver of the vehicle and leaving the scene without rendering aid. He was arrested and booked into the Midland County Detention Center on a charge of collision involving death. Police continue to investigate whether other factors, such as speed or impairment, played a role.
Midland Drive was temporarily closed in both directions while investigators processed the scene. Traffic was diverted near Dengar Avenue, and motorists were urged to seek alternate routes. Police thanked the community for their cooperation and encouraged anyone with additional information or dash camera footage to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
The sudden loss of Liborio Garcia has left family, friends, and neighbors grieving. Community members described Garcia as a well-known and respected member of Midland, whose life was tragically cut short. As authorities continue their investigation, Midland residents are urged to remain vigilant while driving and to support one another through this difficult time.
