DEMING – A reckless driving call at the Deming Walmart parking lot led to a police pursuit, a rollover crash, a vehicle fire and the arrest of a Deming man Wednesday evening.
According to Deming Police Chief Sergio Lara, officers were called to the Walmart parking lot at about 7:49 p.m. May 13 after receiving a report of a reckless driver whose vehicle had nearly struck pedestrians.
“When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled and struck a shopping cart before leading officers on a pursuit through the area,” Lara said.
Police said stop sticks were deployed during the pursuit, but the vehicle avoided them and continued westbound on Pine Street before turning south on 8th Street. The vehicle later crashed through a fence and rolled over near El Bordo Road.
Lara said officers approached the crash scene and saw that the vehicle was on fire. The driver then fled on foot into a nearby mesquite field, where officers tracked and apprehended the suspect after a brief foot pursuit.
Police identified the driver as 18-year-old Ismael D. Romero of Deming. Officers reported signs of possible impairment, including the odor of alcohol and slurred speech.
Romero was taken into custody and transported for medical evaluation. Police said he was later arrested on charges related to fleeing from law enforcement and DWI.
One officer was injured during the incident and was transported to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The officer was later released.
The vehicle was destroyed by fire, and the incident remains under investigation.
All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications – john@bravomic.com
