Roswell Man Arrested Following Fatal Crash in NE Albuquerque

Sun. Nov. 21, 2021

ALBUQUERQUE - The Albuquerque Police Department arrested and charged 19-year-old Casino Salazar with vehicular homicide following a fatal crash Saturday night at Montgomery Blvd, and Morris St. N.E.

Salazar was driving westbound about 7 p.m. on Montgomery at a high rate of speed when his vehicle, a Chevrolet SUV, struck a silver GMC that was turning northbound onto Morris St. N.E. The driver of the GMC was killed as a result of the crash.

Salazar and four passengers in the SUV were transported to a local hospital to be treated for their injuries. Witnesses identified Salazar as the driver and said he appeared to be intoxicated. Officers located several containers of liquor, several firearms and cannabis in the SUV.

Officers said they noticed Salazar had bloodshot, watery eyes and slurred his speech when he spoke to officers at the hospital. Officers also noted the smell of alcohol coming from his breath. Salazar denied driving the vehicle, drinking alcohol or consuming drugs. He refused a field sobriety test.

Salazar was booked into the Metro Detention Center overnight. He is charged with Homicide by Vehicle (DWI), Open Container and Negligent Use of a Firearm.

According to court records, Salazar was arrested last Tuesday, Nov. 16, following a similar incident in Roswell. Police said Salazar was traveling at a high rate of speed that resulted in a single-car crash. Salazar fled the scene on foot but was captured after a pursuit. He was charged with several crimes, including DWI, Resisting, Evading, or Obstructing an Officer. Police found more than $4,300 in cash on Salazar and several firearms.

Salazar was released from jail on several conditions, including he not possess firearms, not possess or consume alcohol, not buy, sell, consume, or possess illegal drugs, not leave Chaves County and not drive a motor vehicle while the case is pending.