Police ID driver in fatal hit and run

CLOVIS - Martha Castillo brought out the joy in those who knew her.

"Being around her, you were always laughing," said Tara Allen, a family friend. "She was always happy; a very joyful person."

Clovis police said Castillo was killed Sunday night in a hit-and-run on the 2900 block of Thornton Street. Castillo, 68, died at the scene.

A witness said Castillo was hit by a pickup, dark in color, as she attempted to cross the street. Allen said it was her understanding Castillo was walking from her house to see her grandson who lived nearby.

Police said Tuesday afternoon that the vehicle involved in the crash had been located, and the driver had been identified by law enforcement. The release did not state whether anyone had been arrested.

Prior to the Tuesday announcement about the driver, authorities had been asking the public's help in identifying the vehicle and driver involved.

According to a Clovis police news release, dispatch received a call at 8:46 p.m. Sunday saying a vehicle traveling south on Thornton was involved in the accident and took off.

While police were responding, a Clovis Fire Department ambulance responding to an unrelated call came across the scene.

Persons with information may contact Crime Stoppers at 575-763-7000 or submit an anonymous tip to the Clovis Police Department through its Facebook page or by texting CLOVISPD and the tip to 847411.

Friends said Castillo was a longtime resident of Clovis, graduating from Clovis High School in 1971.