TULAROSA, N.M. — A 24-year-old man has been arrested on DWI-related charges following a three-vehicle crash that injured 11 people Friday afternoon in Tularosa.
According to New Mexico State Police, officers responded around 4:04 p.m. on Nov. 6 to the intersection of U.S. 70 and Old Mescalero Road after receiving reports of a serious crash involving a Chevrolet passenger car, a van, and an SUV.
Investigators say Oren J. Shanta, 24, was driving a black Chevrolet northbound on Old Mescalero Road at a high rate of speed when he allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign before entering U.S. 70.
Authorities said Shanta’s vehicle collided with a white van carrying 10 occupants and a silver SUV carrying three occupants.
When emergency crews arrived, multiple people were being treated for injuries. Firefighters also worked to rescue three people trapped inside the van.
State police said at least six passengers from the van, two occupants from the Chevrolet, and Shanta were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Two additional passengers from the van were airlifted to a hospital in El Paso, Texas.
While speaking with Shanta at the scene, officers reported detecting the odor of alcohol and observing signs they believed indicated impairment.
Following the investigation, Shanta was arrested and charged with:
- Great Bodily Harm by Vehicle (DWI)
- Reckless Driving
Authorities said no fatalities have been reported.
The conditions of the injured victims have not been released.
The crash remains under investigation.
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