DELTA COUNTY, Colo. — The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has identified both occupants of a yellow‑and‑black 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt believed to have struck and killed a pedestrian on U.S. Highway 50 west of Delta in the early‑morning hours of July 6.
According to investigators, the Cobalt left its registered owner’s residence in Delta at 4:13 a.m. Surveillance footage shows the car stopping at the Maverik gas station on Highway 50 at 4:16 a.m., where the driver entered the store to pay for fuel while a passenger remained in the front seat. The vehicle departed at 4:21 a.m., heading west toward the crash site roughly seven miles outside the city limits.
Troopers were dispatched to the scene at 4:27 a.m. for a report of a pedestrian struck in the roadway. Later that day, the Cobalt was found parked at the owner’s home, its hood and windshield bearing significant damage consistent with an auto‑pedestrian collision.
After conducting multiple interviews with individuals connected to the vehicle and residence, CSP investigators determined that:
- Driver: Karin Leal‑Ruiz, 24 (DOB 11/15/2000)
- Passenger: Valentin Guelta (age not yet confirmed)
Detectives believe both occupants returned to the Delta residence immediately after the crash and may have left the area in another vehicle.
CSP is asking anyone who recognizes Leal‑Ruiz or Guelta, knows their current whereabouts, or has additional information about the incident to contact the Montrose Regional Communications Center at 970‑249‑4392 and reference case #VC250223. Callers are encouraged to leave their name and a reliable callback number.
The investigation remains active. Charges have not yet been announced.
