LAS CRUCES – A Deming man was arrested Wednesday night after a reckless driving call at the Deming Walmart parking lot led to a police pursuit, a rollover crash and a vehicle fire on the southwest side of Deming.
According to Deming Police Chief Sergio Lara, officers responded at about 7:49 p.m. May 13 to a report of a reckless driver in the Walmart parking lot after the vehicle 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 chase, but the vehicle avoided them and continued westbound on Pine Street, then south on 8th Street. South 8th Street is located in Deming, west of downtown, and the pursuit later ended near El Bordo Road after the vehicle crashed through a fence and rolled over.
Officers approached the crash scene and found the vehicle on fire. Police said the driver fled on foot into a nearby mesquite field, where officers tracked and apprehended him after a brief foot pursuit.
The driver was identified as 18-year-old Ismael D. Romero, a Deming resident. Officers reported signs of possible impairment, including the odor of alcohol and slurred speech.
Romero was taken into custody and transported for medical evaluation. 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