SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A man charged in connection with a hit-and-run accident that injured two boys on Thursday has been placed on an immigration hold by U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement.
Pablo Hernandez, 47, has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident with injury and driving without a driver’s license, according to an arrest warrant. He was arraigned in jail on Friday.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson Bryan Cox, Hernandez is on an immigration hold. ICE has lodged a detainer to seek to take him into custody, Cox said, when he is released from criminal custody.
Detainers are placed on aliens arrested on criminal charges for whom ICE possesses probable cause to believe that they are removable from the United States, according to the agency’s website.
Cox also said Hernandez is a Mexican national and is in the country illegally.
PREVIOUS STORY: Two children hospitalized after being hit by truck in Sevierville, man arrested
The incident occurred Thursday morning just before 7 a.m. in the area of 701 W. Main St. Two boys, ages 6 and 16, were crossing the road when they were struck by a pick-up truck allegedly driven by Hernandez.
Both children were transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. The 6-year-old male was reportedly in critical condition. The 16-year-old male has multiple injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening.
Arrest documents for Hernandez state Hernandez “did not stop at the scene upon knowingly striking the pedestrian(s); instead, (he) continued on without attempting to render aid or provide information.”
The documents also state the 6-year-old boy sustained serious bodily injuries including broken bones.
Following the incident, detectives with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office received information as to the identity of the driver. Shortly thereafter, Hernandez came to the Sheriff’s Office on his own accord.
WATE 6 On Your Side is working to learn more and will update as additional details are made available.
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