LAS CRUCES – New Mexico State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving the Taos County Sheriff’s Office that claimed the life of a sheriff’s sergeant late Friday night.
According to State Police, the crash happened at about 10:25 p.m. May 22 on State Road 518 near the 7200 block in Taos County.
Deputies were attempting to locate a reckless driver who was believed to have turned onto a dirt driveway in the area. Investigators said a Taos County deputy driving a marked police pickup truck was turning left into the driveway when Sergeant Joseph Apodaca, who was operating a department-issued police motorcycle, collided with the driver’s side of the pickup.
Apodaca suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at 11:44 p.m. by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
New Mexico State Police Chief Matthew Broom said the loss is being felt across the law enforcement community.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Sergeant Joseph Apodaca, who dedicated his life to serving and protecting the people of Taos County,” Broom said.
Broom said State Police stands with the Taos County Sheriff’s Office during what he called an incredibly difficult time and asked New Mexicans to keep Apodaca’s loved ones, friends and fellow deputies in their thoughts.
The crash remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.
By John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications – john@bravomic.com