Repeat DWI Offender Arrested Again After Causing Violent Crash

Albuquerque –

The Albuquerque Police Department has released an update regarding a serious injury accident that occurred early this morning.

At approximately 3:12 AM, APD officers responded to a crash near the intersection of Coors Bypass and Ellison Dr. NW. Upon arrival, police found that a white Honda, which had been traveling westbound on Ellison with a green light, had been struck by a white Ford work van.

Through their investigation, officers determined that the Ford van, driven by Seth Mitchell, 25, was traveling southbound on Coors at a high rate of speed when it ran a red light and crashed into the Honda. The impact caused the Honda to flip multiple times.

The driver of the Honda sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

When an officer was speaking with Mitchell, they noticed his speech was slurred and there was a strong odor of an alcohol coming from Mitchell.

Mitchell initially hesitated to take a sobriety test, citing a medical condition involving bolts in his leg and foot, something he only revealed when asked to perform the tests. As officers offered an alternative that didn’t involve walking or balancing, Mitchell repeatedly interrupted, blaming faulty brakes for the crash. After some back and forth, he agreed to be tested but made it clear he couldn’t recite the alphabet backwards, which he was told wouldn’t be required. Seated on the curb due to his injury, Mitchell was given an alternate field sobriety test. Despite clear instructions, he performed poorly.

Mitchell was taken into custody at the scene and has been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) resulting in Great Bodily Harm.

On March 7, 2020, Mitchell was charged with DWI related offenses including DWI Driving While Under the Influence of Liquor and/or Drugs (.08 or Above) (1st Offense), Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon (Intoxication), Unlawfully Allowing Vehicle to Slide or Lose Traction, No Driver’s License, Driving While License Suspended, and Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana) (Up to One-half Ounce) (PA). Under an plea deal on July 15, 2020, he only pleaded guilty to DWI Driving While Under the Influence of Liquor and/or Drugs (.08 or Above) (1st Offense), and the other five charges were Dismissed by Prosecutor Per Plea Agreement.

On July 11, 2025, Mitchell accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty to Speeding (Over by 21–25 mph). The other charge was dismissed as part of the agreement. A bench warrant was issued for Mitchell on October 7, 2025, for Failure to Attend Driver Improvement School.