A Dickinson man, who is accused of striking and killing a pedestrian with his vehicle in the early hours of New Year's Day, made his initial appearance in Southwest District Court on Tuesday morning.
Michael Bracamonte, 23, of Dickinson, has been charged with Class B felony leaving the scene of an accident involving death or personal injury. His bond has been set at $10,000 cash. Bracamonte allegedly struck and killed Rudy A. Garcia, 22, of Dickinson, with his pickup truck while Garcia was walking on the Interstate 94 West Business loop near the intersection with Eighth Street West around 2:45 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Bracamonte then allegedly fled the scene, according to police.
A passing motorist later discovered Garcia, who was lying unconscious on the road. The motorist, an off-duty fireman, called 911 and began to administer first aid to Garcia.
Dickinson Police and Dickinson Ambulance Service responded to the scene. However, the victim died at the scene but was transported to CHI St. Alexius Hospital Dickinson by the Dickinson Ambulance Service.
Bracamonte, who was alone in the vehicle, returned to the scene while officers were investigating and turned himself in to the authorities. Bracamonte was subsequently taken into custody and was initially charged with Class A felony criminal vehicular homicide and Class B felony leaving the scene of an accident involving a death. However, there has been no formal charge involving vehicular homicide.
Police stated that alcohol was a factor in the case.
Bracamonte is currently being held at the Southwest Multi-County Correctional Center in Dickinson. The North Dakota Highway Patrol assisted Dickinson Police in the processing of the accident scene.
Bracamonte's next court date is set for Feb. 6.
A GoFundMe account has been set up for Garcia's family. According to the account, Garcia leaves behind a 1-year-old son and a number of other family members. To donate to the account go to www.gofundme.com/rudy-tuhbooty-garcia . As of Tuesday afternoon more than $2,400 had been raised.
ADVERTISEMENT
