Father, daughter swept away in floodwaters

TOHATCHI – Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez were saddened to learn about a tragic accident that took place in Tohatchi Sept. 2, involving a father and daughter who were swept away in flash flood waters, ultimately losing their lives. This accident has devastated the community.

It has been reported that Jay Levier entered floodwaters after his daughter Aschley fell in trying to save her dog.

“We need to constantly remind our Navajo people to stay away from floodwaters, flood zones and to be aware of the power of flood waters. The bodies of Jay and his daughter Aschley were said have been washed five...

SAN JUAN COUNTY – New Mexico State Police investigated a double motorcycle crash that resulted in the fatalities of both drivers Sept. 3. The crash occurred at around 4 pm at the intersection of Navajo Route 5 and N.M. State Road 371 (85-mile marker) in San Juan County.

According to a news release issued by NMSP Sgt. Elizabeth Armijo, the initial investigation indicated both motorcycles were riding in tandem on Navajo Route 5. Both failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of State Road 371 causing both to crash off the opposite side of the roadway.

Both drivers are believed to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, Armijo stated in the...

Slew of vehicle break-ins, burglaries beset neighborhood

An east-side neighborhood in Gallup is taking steps toward becoming more proactive in solving and preventing crimes. A meeting held three weeks ago at Roosevelt Elementary School discussed a number of vehicle break-ins and burglaries around Gallup’s Roosevelt neighborhood.

Kelly Akeson of the Gallup Police Department introduced residents to the idea of a Neighborhood Watch Program. City Councilor Linda Garcia, whose council district includes Roosevelt, organized the Aug. 25 meeting. Afterward, she said things are off to a great start.

“This is a step in the right direction,” Garcia said. “There have been some problems...

CIBOLA COUNTY – On Sept. 3 at 6:30 am, New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal crash involving an off-road vehicle.

According to a news release issued by NMSP Sgt. Elizabeth Armijo, the crash occurred near Bonita Canyon Road and N.M. State Road 53 mile-marker 70, south of Grants.

The initial investigation indicated Johnny E. Hall, 53, of Jonesboro, Louisiana, was driving an off-road vehicle on Bonita Canyon Road when the vehicle lost control and rolled. Mr. Hall was ejected from the vehicle and the vehicle rolled over him. Hall sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased on scene.

This crash remains under investigation.