According to the Clovis Police Department, officers received a call around 12:45 a.m. stating a person was lying in a field near 14th Street and Sycamore Street. Upon arrival, officers determined the subject was a victim of a hit-and-run.
Life-saving measures were attempted on 24-year-old Matthew Gibbs, but he did not survive. According to The Eastern New Mexico News, authorities believe that Gibbs was walking to his job at the Allsup’s at 14th and Norris just before 11 p.m. when he was hit by a vehicle. More than two hours later, a passing motorist saw him lying in a field and called police.
Clovis police say on January 2, the Special Operations Unit of the Clovis Police Department began working with the Major Crash Team to gather more evidence and information about the crash.
They were able to determine that the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run was a white GM truck. On January 3, the Special Operations Unit found video of a vehicle leaving the area of the crash and driving to a building located at 1501 East Mabry Drive.
Police say a search warrant was obtained for the building, and a white 2009 Chevrolet pickup was found in the building with damage consistent with the crash. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 29-year-old Collin Guthals. Guthals was located and spoke with Clovis officials, where he admitted to being involved in the hit-and-run, according to a press release.
A warrant was obtained for Guthals and he was charged with two felonies: accidents involving death or personal injuries and tampering with evidence. He was also charged with driving while license suspended.
According to The Eastern New Mexico News, Guthals is being held in the Curry County Detention Center without bond. According to The Eastern New Mexico News, police said Guthals was arrested Wednesday on a probation violation. A warrant charging him in connection with Gibbs’ death was filed Friday.
