The initial investigation indicated a 2004 Harley Davidson Motorcycle, driven by Richard Lucero (56) of Bloomfield, NM, was traveling east on US 64 when the motorcycle he was driving crashed on a curved portion in the roadway.
From NM State Police:
Monday, September 21, 2020
On September 18, 2020 at about 5:20 a.m., the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal motorcycle crash on US 64, near mile post 84, east of Blanco, NM.
The initial investigation indicated a 2004 Harley Davidson Motorcycle, driven by Richard Lucero (56) of Bloomfield, NM, was traveling east on US 64 when the motorcycle he was driving crashed on a curved portion in the roadway. Lucero who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected from the motorcycle. Lucero sustained fatal injuries in the crash and he was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of Medical Investigator.
Alcohol does not appear to have been a contributing factor in the crash. No additional information is available.
As three individuals tried to leave a party, a male subject began shooting, unintentionally striking the vehicle and, subsequently, a passenger inside the vehicle. The passenger was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center and later transported to UNM in Albuquerque, where she is awake and in stable condition.
Using multiple means of evidence, the driver was identified as Alvin Paul who was driving a 2003 white Chevrolet when he veered off the road, hitting Shirley. Paul did not stop or report the crash and surveillance footage from a nearby business proved Paul as the driver. He later admitted to operating the vehicle carelessly.
At the time of the crash, Paul’s driver’s license was revoked from a prior DWI arrests. He has two prior DWI convictions and is currently on probation for the second DWI.
Preliminary investigation indicates the individuals involved were known to one another, and this incident does not appear to be a random act of violence.
No weapons were located on the suspect and he was arrested and charged with assault upon a school employee, unlawful shooting threats, disorderly conduct, and interference with members of staff or the general public.
In addition, the study finds that reducing truck traffic on major highways is a major benefit to rail, with reduced motor vehicle crashes and reduced wear and tear to roadways.
The next phase of this project is already funded by a $4 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grant and $1 million match from the New Mexico Match Fund.