Affidavit details driver’s actions during pursuit after hit-and-run in Lubbock

LUBBOCK, Texas — A probable cause affidavit detailed a hit-and-run that led to a pursuit and the arrest of 27-year-old Michael Salas in Lubbock over the weekend.

On Saturday, the Lubbock Police Department was called to the 200 block of Avenue Q around 9 p.m. for a report of a crash.

The PC affidavit said the officer arrived to 1700 Erskine St. and saw Salas driving southbound in the northbound lane of the 500 block of North Avenue P. Salas then began to reverse almost hitting the patrol vehicle. Although the officer attempted to stop Salas, he proceeded to turn his vehicle around and head eastbound on Erskine St., the affidavit said. Salas began to swerve in and out of traffic lanes, then drove through a red light at Ave Q and Erskine St.

The pursuit ended when Salas took a sharp right turn at the 700 block of Erskine St and drove through a metal panel fence. Salas crashed into an unoccupied vehicle that was parked behind the fence.

According to the affidavit, a witness saw the hit-and-run and followed Salas. The witness said Salas drove northbound in the southbound lanes on Ave Q, then struck a fence in the 700 block of Erskine St. along with five other vehicles and a building. Another reporting party said Salas was in the 1700 block of Erskine St. traveling in the wrong lane of traffic.

The officer removed an unresponsive Salas from the vehicle and said could smell a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his mouth, the affidavit said. A handgun was found on the front passenger floor board, the handgun holster was on Salas' waistband. Salas was taken into custody and transported to University Medical Center via ambulance with moderate injuries. After he was treated, he was transported to the Lubbock County Detention Center without incident.

Salas was charged with Evading in a Motor Vehicle, Driving While Intoxicated and Unlawful Carry of a Weapon.