New Mexico Police Arrest Suspect in Hit-and-Run Death of Bicyclist Kevin O’Leary

New Mexico State Police Make Arrest in Fatal Hit-and-Run Case

On November 30, 2024, New Mexico State Police announced the arrest of Noel Ronquillo Jr., 33, in connection with a hit-and-run that resulted in the death of Silver City bicyclist Kevin O’Leary, 69. O’Leary was biking on N.M. 11 when he was struck and killed on November 23.

Police received a call from a motorist who found O’Leary’s body near his bicycle and reported debris on the road. The driver responsible for the crash fled the scene, leaving no witnesses.

Investigators found crash debris and issued a "be-on-the-lookout" alert for a red vehicle with potential front-end damage. Using Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology, officers identified a 2011 red Cadillac sedan involved in the incident.

Border Patrol and Customs informed State Police that a matching vehicle crossed into Mexico shortly after the crash at the Columbus Port of Entry. Police later arrested Ronquillo Jr. in Deming on November 25. He faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident that caused bodily harm or death.

Former Silver City Mayor Steve May remembered O’Leary fondly, describing him as “an upstanding gentleman and a great neighbor.” O’Leary had planned a lengthy biking trip into Mexico, marking his second such journey in two years.

New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler praised the effectiveness of ALPR technology, highlighting its role in solving the case efficiently and ensuring public safety.