State Police arrest suspected drunk driver in fatal hit-and-run on NM 550

RIO ARRIBA COUNTY, NM – New Mexico State Police announced the arrest of the suspected driver in a fatal hit-and-run crash in Rio Arriba County.

The incident occurred Sunday morning on New Mexico Highway 550 near milepost 106. NMSP said they received a report at about 10:30 a.m. from an employer concerned that an employee was driving a company vehicle, a 2022 GMC 2500, while possibly under the influence of alcohol and may have been headed towards Farmington.

While responding to this call, officers received updated information and were redirected to a crash involving an overturned commercial vehicle on New Mexico 550. An off-duty Texas police officer witnessed the crash and reported that a second vehicle fled the scene.

The driver of the commercial vehicle, 55-year-old Jasper Bunny of Farmington, was pronounced dead after being taken to an area hospital.

The fleeing driver, identified as 34-year-old Crescencio Castro Baldazo, was located a short distance away near milepost 103. Citizens at the scene prevented him from leaving and reported that he appeared to be intoxicated. An investigation determined that he was the same man reported by his employer for suspected impaired driving.

Castro Baldazo was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including Homicide by Vehicle (Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor or Any Drug), Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Great Bodily Harm or Death), and Careless Driving.

Crash causes heavy delays on Interstate 40 near Unser Boulevard

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Drivers were warned of traffic backups following a crash on Interstate 40 in Albuquerque on Tuesday afternoon.

According to a post on NMRoads at 4:35 p.m., the accident occurred on I-40 westbound at mile marker 154, near Unser Boulevard.

The right lane of the interstate was closed. Heavy delays were expected until the scene could be cleared.

Crews respond to scene of accident in Navajo, NM

NAVAJO NATION, NM – Emergency responders were on the scene of a vehicle accident in Navajo, New Mexico on Sunday evening.

According to a Facebook post from the Navajo Nation Department of Highway Safety at 7:35 p.m., the incident took place on Route 12 and blocked the roadway in both directions.

Motorists were advised to use caution in the area and expect possible delays while crews secured the area and assisted those involved in the crash.

Have you been hurt? Then call Bert!

Attorney Bert Parnall and his team will fight for your legal rights if you have been injured in an accident due to the negligence of someone else in Albuquerque or anywhere in Central New Mexico. Our experienced Albuquerque car accident lawyers will work tirelessly to hold any at-fault parties accountable for the harm they have caused you so that you receive fair compensation for the injuries you have suffered. You can schedule a free consultation with us to discuss the details of your case by completing our contact form or calling (505) 268-6500.