Driver who struck pedestrian charged

CLOVIS — The driver officials say struck and killed a pedestrian on a dusty road this month has been charged with misdemeanor traffic offenses in connection with the incident, Curry County Sheriff Wesley Waller said on Wednesday.

In a message to The News, Waller said Kade Duarte, 23, “has been charged” with the following: speeding (too fast for conditions), no seat belt and driving while license suspended.

Merle Watson, 55, was struck and killed the afternoon of Aug. 9 while walking on Curry Road L, north of CR 15.

Duarte told officials he did not see Watson crossing the road in front of him due to a dust cloud from the vehicle in front of him. According to a news release, Duarte’s car overturned “as a result of his attempted evasive action” but he was not injured; Watson “succumbed to his injuries” shortly thereafter at a local hospital.

Attempts Wednesday to reach Duarte were unsuccessful.