Barnes County (trfnews.i234.me) — A hit-and-run driver is still being sought after a pedestrian was killed on Interstate 94 near Valley City. The crash happened on I-94 eastbound near mile marker 282. That is about eight miles west of Valley City.
Victim identified
The pedestrian was identified as Jerson Mejia, 27. Authorities said Mejia was from Honduras. The Barnes County Coroner responded to the scene.
Timeline of events
Authorities say dispatch received several 911 calls on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Callers reported a pedestrian walking along Interstate 94. Law enforcement made contact with the man. He declined help, according to investigators.
More calls came in later that night. The last call was reported around 10:55 p.m. Officials believe the fatal crash happened after midnight. The exact time is still unknown.
Body found Sunday afternoon
On Sunday, December 21, 2025, a passerby reported a body in the ditch. That call came in at about 2:30 p.m. The North Dakota Highway Patrol and the Barnes County Sheriff’s Office responded.
Investigators located the deceased in the same area. They also found vehicle parts at the scene. Those parts were consistent with a hit-and-run, officials said.
Vehicle damage clues
The hit-and-run vehicle has not been identified or located. The color, make, and model are still unknown. Investigators want the public to focus on damage, not paint color.
Based on evidence, NDHP believes the vehicle has new front-end damage. The likely damage area is the front bumper and passenger-side front quarter panel. A large portion of a bug deflector was found at the scene.
Investigators say a black plastic piece may be missing near the passenger-side front quarter panel. The piece is believed to be about 7 inches by 4 inches. A small chrome-colored piece may also be missing from a headlight assembly.
Based on the damage pattern, the vehicle may be an early-to-mid 2000s Ford F-150 or Ford F-250. NDHP stressed this is not confirmed. The investigation is ongoing.
How to report tips
Anyone with information is asked to contact the North Dakota Highway Patrol. You can call 701-328-2447. You can also email ndhpsafetyedu@nd.gov.
Please reference case number 2025008312. Tipsters may remain anonymous. For more agency information, visit the North Dakota Highway Patrol website.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.