SILVER CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
1011 North Hudson Street/P.O. Box 997 Silver City, New Mexico 88062
(575) 538-3723 Fax: (575) 538-3726
Date: 10/13/11
Contact: Ed Reynolds, Chief of Police
Synopsis: Traffic Crash with Injuries, Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
Location: Virginia Street, just south of 13th Street
Silver City New Mexico
Pedestrian: Motavenda Melchizedek Age: 51
Silver City New Mexico
Driver: Juvenile male Age 17
Tyrone New Mexico
Narrative:
On Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 7:20 PM officers of the Silver City Police Department responded to a traffic crash involving a pedestrian on Virginia St. near 13th St.
The investigation of traffic crash revealed that Motavenda Melchizedek (pedestrian) was walking two dogs south on Virginia St. The vehicle (2009 blue Pontiac passenger car) made a left turn onto Virginia St., from 12th St and headed north on Virginia St. The driver (17 years of age male) stated that after making the left turn he looked down taking his eyes off of road. The vehicle struck one of the dogs and the pedestrian with its right front bumper causing the pedestrian to fall face first onto pavement.
The driver of the vehicle has been cited for careless driving and expired registration.
The pedestrian was transported to Gila Regional Medical Center for treatment. The injured dog was taken by a local Veterinarian to his office for treatment. The condition of the pedestrian and dog are not known at this time.
The Silver City Police Department is continuing the investigation into this traffic crash and is asking anyone with information concerning this crash please call the department at (575) 538-3723.
UPDATE:
Due to conflicting stories from driver and victim, the Silver City Police Department is continuing its investigation into this crash. The focus currently of the investigation is whether the pedestrian was actually struck by vehicle or dragged by vehicle. As soon as investigation is complete and a determination is made an updated release will be issued.
