Las Cruces Sun-News
RADIUM SPRINGS, N.M. — A sheriff’s deputy destroyed his vehicle and was injured Thursday morning when he fell asleep at the wheel, according to New Mexico State Police Lt. Eric F. Garcia.
Deputy Adrian Chavez, 25, had just finished an overnight shift and was driving south on State Road 185 at 8 a.m. when he crossed the northbound lane and crashed into a telephone pole outside the Blue Moon Bar, where the highway curves to the right, Garcia said.
The telephone pole had just been installed a few weeks ago, said Jaime Rodriguez, who bought the Blue Moon two years ago.
“Oddly, they put it in the wrong place, because I was planning on expanding the parking lot,” Rodriguez said Thursday morning.
Chavez, who has been with the sheriff’s office for five years, was transported by ground for treatment, but the extent of his injuries is unknown. He did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, just tired, Garcia said. His 2009 police interceptor was totaled.
Thursday’s crash wasn’t the first at the property, which also houses the Blue Iron Grill.
“Where the doors are, we have on our list to re-plaster it, because someone drove right through it,” Rodriguez said. “They were parked and they started the car and it was in gear.”
Rodriguez hopes Thursday’s accident results in a reduction of the speed limit on the stretch of road.
“You get those chile-haulers from Hatch and they fly through here, they scream,” he said. “I spoke with the (New Mexico Department of Transportation) two years ago and had asked them to put some ‘Slow - Curve’ signs. We asked them to put (the speed limit) to at least 40, 45 (mph) ... They really need to slow cars down here.”
No other injuries were reported and Chavez will not be cited, said Garcia. The Do?a Ana Sheriff’s office will also conduct an internal investigation on accident to determine if any disciplinary action will be taken against Chavez, according to standard policy.
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