Malachi Velasquez-McCormick Arrested in Fatal I-40 Rollover Crash
- New Mexico State Police confirmed the arrest of an 18-year-old driver, Malachi Velasquez-McCormick, following a fatal two-vehicle rollover crash on Interstate 40 near Unser Boulevard on Friday, September...
- Officers responded to reports of a collision involving a gray Dodge passenger car and a Chevrolet SUV.
- Velasquez-McCormick and his three passengers, along with three occupants of the Chevrolet, were transported to a local hospital.
New Mexico State Police confirmed the arrest of an 18-year-old driver, Malachi Velasquez-McCormick, following a fatal two-vehicle rollover crash on Interstate 40 near Unser Boulevard on Friday, September 25. The incident resulted in the death of an 11-year-old child and injuries to multiple others.
Details Emerge of High-Speed Collision at I-40 Milepost 154
The crash occurred around 9:54 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-40 at milepost 154. Officers responded to reports of a collision involving a gray Dodge passenger car and a Chevrolet SUV. The Dodge, driven by Malachi Velasquez-McCormick, was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed when it moved to the right lane to pass a semitruck, according to the police report. As Velasquez-McCormick attempted to return to the left lane, the Dodge struck the rear passenger side of the Chevrolet, causing both vehicles to roll over.
Alcohol and Marijuana Use Linked to Deadly Crash
Velasquez-McCormick and his three passengers, along with three occupants of the Chevrolet, were transported to a local hospital. The extent of their injuries remains undisclosed. Tragically, an 11-year-old child in the Chevrolet died from injuries sustained in the crash. Officers discovered multiple open containers of alcohol in the Dodge during their investigation. A sobriety test conducted by a police officer revealed signs of impairment, and Velasquez-McCormick admitted to consuming alcohol and marijuana prior to the collision, the report states.
Charges Filed Against 18-Year-Old in Homicide by Vehicle
Velasquez-McCormick was arrested and booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on charges including Homicide by vehicle (DWI), Aggravated DWI (bodily injury), Reckless driving, and Open container.