Aztec Man, 2 year old, both killed in Thursday Crash

Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 10:40 AM

The initial investigation indicated a white Dodge pick-up, driven by Charles Lane, 64, of Aztec, NM., was travelling northbound on U.S. Highway-491, near milepost 34. For unknown Reasons, Mr. Lane’s vehicle left the roadway and crashed into the rear of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), that was parked on the shoulder, due to mechanical issues.

From NM State Police

Saturday, October 21, 2023

On October 19, 2023, at about 6:00 p.m. The New Mexico State Police investigated a double fatal, two vehicle crash that occurred on U.S. Highway 491 in McKinley County.

There was a two-year-old passenger in the Dodge pick-up, who sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. Mr. Lane was transported to a hospital in Albuquerque, where he succumbed to his injuries.

There were two occupants in the parked CMV, who did not sustain injuries.

Alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor.

The New Mexico State Police are investigating the crash.

More from Local News

Durango Begins Water Restrictions

Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.
Candidates for San Juan County Sheriff Speak with KSJE

All four republican candidates for San Juan County Sheriff have sat down for an interview with KSJE General Manager Scott Michlin.
Police ID Suspect and Officers involved in Hines Rd. Shooting

Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them. During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.
2 Year Old Reunited with Father, Mother Arrested

A complex investigation began, tracking Ms. Salazar across multiple states with cooperation from several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, that concluded last week when Ms. Salazar was arrested on her warrant and the child was returned to New Mexico where he is now with Mr. West.
Candidates File to Run in the NM June 2nd Primary

These candidates have filed to run in the New Mexico Primary on June 2, 2026. We are only listing candidates in CONTESTED races.
Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.