Mugshot of Miguel Gaspar-Diaz, 43 | Courtesy Carthage City Police Department
Mugshot of Miguel Gaspar-Diaz, 43 | Courtesy Carthage City Police Department
An illegal alien has been arrested following a hit-and-run accident in Carthage that left a juvenile moped driver in critical condition.
Miguel Gaspar-Diaz, 43, faces multiple charges after allegedly striking the victim, dragging them with his vehicle, and fleeing the scene.
“Illegal alien Miguel Gaspar-Diaz has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run accident that left a juvenile moped driver in critical condition last weekend,” the X account Illegal Alien Crimes posted on Dec. 6. “The Probable Cause Statement explains that Gaspar-Diaz admitted to drinking prior to the accident, hitting the juvenile, driving a few hundred feet with the juvenile on his hood, then stopping and dumping the victim in a ditch.”
The victim was identified as 15-year-old Braxton Thrasher.
According to the police report, the crash occurred near the intersection of Central Avenue and Baker Boulevard, where Gaspar-Diaz allegedly struck Thrasher in a head-on collision, dragging him and his moped approximately 130 feet. He then reportedly drove another 290 feet with Thrasher on the hood of his 2013 Chevrolet Equinox before dumping him in a ditch and fleeing.
A resident on South Baker Boulevard discovered Thrasher and contacted authorities. Emergency responders found the juvenile with severe injuries, including a brain bleed, a torn aortic artery, and multiple broken bones. He was transported to Mercy Hospital in Joplin before being transferred to Mercy Hospital in Springfield for critical care.
Investigators identified the suspect’s vehicle through security footage and parts recovered from the crash site. They located the damaged Chevrolet Equinox at Gaspar-Diaz’s residence, where he initially claimed to have struck a deer.
After further questioning, Gaspar-Diaz admitted to drinking alcohol before the crash, hitting Thrasher, and fleeing the scene without seeking help.
Authorities confirmed that Gaspar-Diaz does not possess a valid Missouri driver’s license.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist the Thrasher family with medical expenses.
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