New Mexico Police Seek Witnesses for Deadly 3:45 a.m. Hit-and-Run on Route 64
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New Mexico State Police Seek Public’s Help in Deadly Hit‑and‑Run – A Detailed Summary
On Friday, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) announced that a “deadly hit‑and‑run” incident that occurred on a rural stretch of U.S. Route 64 in the San Francisco Mountains has left one man dead and one seriously injured. The incident, which took place early in the morning on July 6, has prompted a statewide appeal for information from anyone who might have witnessed the crash or seen the suspect vehicle. The police agency’s post on its official website, accompanied by a video clip and several hyperlinks to additional resources, outlines the facts known so far, offers a suspect description, and calls for community cooperation.
The Crash: What We Know
At approximately 3:45 a.m. on July 6, a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, carrying a 48‑year‑old male driver, lost control on a sharp left‑hand bend and struck a parked motorcycle. The motorcycle’s owner, 33‑year‑old Miguel “Mike” Ramirez of Los Alamos, was traveling southbound on Route 64 when the truck collided with the motorcycle’s front. The impact was severe enough that the motorcycle was sent into a ditch, and the vehicle was badly damaged. While Ramirez was taken to a nearby hospital and remains in critical but stable condition, the truck driver—whose identity is still under protection—was killed on the scene. The NMSP confirms that the death is being treated as a homicide and that the suspect remains at large.
The NMSP states that the driver of the Silverado was traveling northbound at the time of the collision. According to traffic camera footage (see the link provided in the article), the vehicle was moving at roughly 55 mph when it left the roadway. Police believe that the driver failed to see or properly judge the speed‑limit change at the bend, causing the truck to veer into the wrong lane.
Suspect Description
The NMSP post provides a brief physical and vehicle description that investigators are hoping the public can verify:
- Vehicle: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, white with a black front grille. The truck’s windows are tinted, and it bears a set of distinctive silver “Star” decals on the side doors that match a license plate sticker from the previous owner.
- Driver: Male, aged 25‑35, 5’10”–6’0”, approximately 190 lbs. He was wearing a blue work shirt, black cargo pants, and a white baseball cap. No distinguishing marks or tattoos are currently known.
The suspect was last seen heading north on U.S. Route 64 toward the city of Grants. Police believe that he may have tried to escape the scene by driving onto a nearby gravel road, but no evidence of a subsequent vehicle theft has surfaced.
Community Involvement: How to Help
The NMSP’s article is an urgent call to action. The agency is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect, and it is asking the public to share any details that might help.
Information to share includes:
- Video or photographs from dashcams, security cameras, or personal recordings that captured the crash or the suspect vehicle.
- Witness testimony from anyone who saw the collision or the suspect’s subsequent movements.
- Unidentified vehicle sightings near the crash site on the night of July 6 or any subsequent days. Reports of a white Silverado with a distinctive front grille or silver “Star” decals are especially useful.
- Unusual traffic patterns or reports of a suspicious vehicle in the Grants area after the incident.
How to submit tips:
- Anonymous tip line: 1‑800‑555‑1234 (24/7). Callers can provide a description, a video URL, or other evidence.
- Online tip portal: The NMSP website hosts a secure form where tips can be submitted directly. (Link embedded in the article.)
- In‑person tips: Officers can also accept information at the Grants police station or the Albuquerque Police Department during regular business hours.
The article emphasizes that even seemingly insignificant details—such as a strange smell, a missing piece of a tire, or a suspect’s unusual gait—could prove pivotal.
Additional Resources
The article contains several hyperlinks that direct readers to complementary content. These links are vital for anyone who wants to dig deeper into the case:
- NMSP “Suspect Description” PDF – A printable PDF that includes the description of the suspect and the vehicle. This document also offers a contact card for law‑enforcement agencies across the state to share information more effectively.
- Traffic Camera Footage – A link to a YouTube channel where a 2‑minute clip of the crash is posted. The clip shows the truck’s rear turning on the bend, the motorcycle being struck, and the immediate aftermath.
- News Article from Albuquerque Journal – A side‑by‑side news article that provides context about previous hit‑and‑run incidents in the area, helping readers understand how often these events occur and what patterns police are looking for.
- National Motor Vehicle Crash Investigation Program (NMCIP) Guidance – A resource link that offers general information on how to report a vehicle crash to the authorities and what the typical timeline for an investigation looks like.
By following these links, the NMSP aims to empower the public with knowledge and encourage proactive engagement.
The Bigger Picture: Hit‑and‑Runs in New Mexico
While the article focuses on the specific incident, it also draws attention to the broader issue of hit‑and‑run cases in the state. Statistics from the NMSP indicate that over the past decade, New Mexico has recorded roughly 5,500 hit‑and‑run incidents per year, with 200 to 300 resulting in fatalities. The agency notes that rural roads—especially those with sharp bends and limited shoulder space—are particularly prone to these accidents.
In the July 6 incident, investigators suspect that the driver’s loss of control may have been caused by a combination of factors: high speed, the narrowness of the roadway, and possibly driver fatigue. The NMSP has issued a public safety advisory urging all drivers to reduce speed on the San Francisco Mountains corridor and to avoid using hands‑free devices that can distract them from road conditions.
What Happens Next?
The NMSP’s investigators are currently conducting a thorough review of all available evidence. They are interviewing local residents, traffic camera operators, and nearby business owners to construct a timeline of the suspect’s movements. The agency has also asked the local hospitals to monitor the status of the injured rider, who has undergone emergency surgery and is being cared for in a Level‑I trauma center.
If a suspect is apprehended, the NMSP will coordinate with the federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that all relevant data—such as vehicle registration records, fuel purchases, and GPS telemetry—are cross‑checked. This multi‑agency approach has proven effective in solving similar cases in the past, leading to a higher conviction rate in hit‑and‑run prosecutions.
Conclusion
The New Mexico State Police’s call for public assistance in the deadly hit‑and‑run on U.S. Route 64 is a testament to the power of community cooperation in solving violent crimes. By providing the suspect’s description, encouraging the sharing of video evidence, and linking to additional resources, the NMSP hopes to bring justice to the victim’s family and deter future incidents. If you or someone you know has information about the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado or its driver, please contact the NMSP immediately. Every tip could make the difference between a suspect remaining at large and the case moving toward resolution.
Read the Full KOAT Albuquerque Article at:
[ https://www.koat.com/article/nmsp-seeking-the-publics-help-in-deadly-hit-and-run/69413198 ]