Photo: Artem Durnov, 31, of Russia – New Mexico State Police
DEMING – A 31-year-old man was arrested following a fatal wrong-way crash on Interstate 10 in Luna County that New Mexico State Police say involved suspected impaired driving.
According to New Mexico State Police, a Be On the Lookout alert was issued to law enforcement agencies at about 1:39 a.m. May 8 for a wrong-way driver traveling on I-10 near milepost 123. U.S. Border Patrol later advised that the vehicle had continued traveling the wrong direction before crashing into two vehicles near milepost 102.
State Police District 12 officers responded and assumed the investigation. Officers found that one of the drivers struck in the crash was trapped inside their vehicle. The victim was eventually removed from the vehicle and transported to a local hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
Another occupant involved in the crash was transported for treatment of a head injury.
The wrong-way driver was identified as Artem Durnov, 31, of Russia. Investigators said they believed Durnov was under the influence at the time of the crash.
Durnov was arrested and booked into the Luna County Detention Center. He is charged with homicide by vehicle – negligent manslaughter while driving while intoxicated, DWI involving drugs, and reckless driving.
New Mexico State Police said the crash remains a reminder of the danger impaired driving poses to other motorists. Police said they remain committed to apprehending impaired drivers and holding those accused of driving under the influence accountable under the law.
All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications – [email protected]
