ICE issues arrest detainer for man accused of deadly hit and run crash in Durham

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged an arrest detainer with the Durham County Detention Center for a man who hit and killed a man in September.

Officials said Werner Orosco-Clemente was driving under the influence when he hit and killed 61-year-old Richard Ferguson on Chalk Level Road.

Police said Clemente, also known as Wilmer Fuentes Mejia, ran off the road and hit two signs before hitting Ferguson. He was arrested and charged with hit and run, involuntary manslaughter and driving with a revoked license.

Previous arrest warrants show he has also been arrested for driving under the influence and assault. Officials said he was also previously deported in 2020.

“A local DA allowed him to walk free after multiple DUIs only to then cause this fatal hit-and-run that killed an innocent 61-year-old man in North Carolina,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Richard Ferguson Jr. will get justice. ICE lodged a detainer for this criminal to ensure this menace and public safety threat isn't released back onto America’s streets.”

Officials said Mejia is a Guatemalan citizen and first came to the U.S. illegally in 2015. He was ordered removed by an immigration judge in December 2019 and was removed in 2020 officials said.

It is unclear when and where Mejia re-entered the U.S.