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Thursday, Mar 28th

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Pinedale man arrested after striking several people at Ceremonial parade

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A Pinedale man is under arrest after driving through parade barricades and striking several people during the opening parade of the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial Centennial Celebration.

The parade was in progress at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Aug. 4 when Gallup Police officers received a report of individuals drinking alcohol inside a beige Chevrolet Tahoe parked along the parade route in the area of South Seventh Street and West Coal Avenue.

As the Gallup officers approached the Tahoe to make contact with the occupants, the driver put the Tahoe into drive and took off, heading east on West Coal Avenue. The officers, who were still on foot, attempted to stop the driver but were unsuccessful. Both officers were injured.

The Tahoe continued eastbound on West Coal Avenue toward parade participants while officers attempted to move spectators out of the Tahoe’s path.

The Tahoe then continued southbound on South Second Street and later east onto Hwy. 66. The Tahoe suddenly turned south and struck a parked vehicle. The vehicle then backed into a New Mexico State Police unit as officers moved in. The officers then removed the three people who were in the Tahoe and took them into custody.

Fifteen people were transported to area hospitals after sustaining non-life-threatening injuries in this incident, including the two Gallup Police officers who attempted the initial stop of the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle has been identified as Jeff Kenn Irving, 33, of Pinedale, N.M. He is now facing charges of an aggravated DWI (2nd offense), accident involving injury/great bodily harm, 14 counts of an accident involving personal injuries that did not cause great bodily harm, aggravated fleeing, driving with a suspended/revoked license, expired registration, and driving without insurance.

Two passengers in the Tahoe, a 23-year-old male, and a 29-year-old male were detained and taken to the Gallup Detox Center.

At this time, there is no reason to suspect this crime was motivated by hate. In addition, no shots were fired during this incident. Contrary to rumors circulating on social media, there were no fatalities in this incident.

New Mexico State Police are leading this investigation. The investigation is being conducted in coordination with the Gallup Police Department. The New Mexico State Police Crash Reconstruction and Drone units are also assisting.

State Police will provide an increased presence for the remainder of the 100th Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial to ensure a safe celebration.