Midland, TX — February 11, 2026, Liborio Garcia was killed in a hit-and-run accident at about 7 p.m. in the 2900 block of Midland Drive.

Authorities said a pedestrian was Midland Drive when he was hit by northbound Ford Escape near the intersection with Dengar Avenue.

The pedestrian, 67-year-old Midland resident Liborio Garcia, died at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

The Ford driver was arrested found an SUV with significant front-end damage at a nearby apartment complex, authorities said. He was jailed on a charge of collision involving death.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Midland County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a life is lost on a public road, the first reports often feel simple and direct. But the real story of what happened is rarely simple. Serious crashes deserve more than a surface review. They call for careful work and hard questions.

The first question is whether authorities conducted a thorough investigation. In cases involving a pedestrian, it’s not enough to document the scene and move on. Did investigators map the crash site with precision? Did they reconstruct the vehicle’s path and estimate speed? Was the driver’s behavior examined in detail: things like acceleration, braking or steering input just before impact? Some officers have advanced crash reconstruction training, while others may not. Complex cases require time, skill and the right tools. Without that level of effort, key facts can be missed.

Another issue worth asking about is whether anyone considered the possibility of a vehicle defect. Modern vehicles rely on braking systems, throttle controls and sensors that are meant to respond instantly. If something malfunctioned — such as a brake failure, unintended acceleration or a faulty warning system — it may not be obvious without a close mechanical inspection. In pedestrian crashes, especially, the difference between a working and non-working safety system can matter. A proper inspection of the vehicle should be part of any complete investigation.

There’s also the question of electronic data. Most newer vehicles record information in the moments before a crash. That data can show speed, braking force, throttle position and whether the driver tried to avoid impact. Cell phone records can indicate distraction. GPS and nearby cameras may add context. This kind of information does not last forever. If it is not preserved quickly, it can disappear. Reviewing and securing that data can help confirm what really happened.

Crashes involving pedestrians often raise more questions than answers at first. A careful investigation helps separate assumptions from facts. When investigators dig deeper — into driver actions, mechanical systems and digital evidence — the result is a clearer picture of responsibility. That clarity matters for accountability and for understanding how the event unfolded.

Key Takeaways:

• A full crash investigation should include detailed reconstruction, not just a basic report.
• Vehicle defects must be ruled out through proper mechanical inspection.
• Electronic data from the vehicle and phones can provide critical answers if preserved in time.