Albuquerque –
On June 30, 2024, at approximately 11:30PM, Albuquerque Police dispatch informed officers about a collision at the intersection of Coors and Montano in Albuquerque. The on-call motor supervisor, Sgt. Gallegos, revealed that a male suspect, identified as Jesus Sandoval-Martinez, was suspected of impairment and caused the collision. We broke this story to you just after 12:30AM on July 1.
At the same time, a black 2021 Tesla was waiting in the outer left turning lane on Montano Rd NW to turn south onto Coors. Next to it, in the lane that continues westbound on Montano, was a Toyota Corolla. Having received a green light, the Tesla and Toyota entered the intersection. The Dodge then struck the Tesla on the driver’s side and also impacted the rear driver’s side of the Toyota.
Real-time camera footage captured Sandoval-Martinez driving a black 2008 Dodge Dakota pickup, and he was traveling at a high rate of speed northbound on Coors. Witnesses also corroborated that he ran a red light at Montano.
Bystanders and witnesses observed Martinez fleeing the scene on foot. However, the witnesses managed to detain him in a nearby parking lot until police arrived. Reports indicated that Martinez was slurring his words and appeared impaired. A search of the pickup revealed open alcoholic containers, including Modelo beers.
Emergency responders transported the two critically injured occupants of the Tesla to UNMH after the collision. The driver of the Tesla died from their injuries at the hospital, while the passenger remained in critical condition. The driver of the Toyota sustained minor injuries.
PATREON MEMBERS CAN READ THE CRIMINAL COMPLAINT HERE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/107277578?pr=true
At UNMH, the investigator, using a Spanish translator, interviewed Martinez, who admitted to consuming two Corona beers and fleeing the scene out of fear. He exhibited signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, a strong odor of alcohol, and slurred speech. Martinez performed poorly on sobriety tests and did not possess a valid driver’s license, he only had an ID card.
Due to the collision’s severity, the investigator obtained a warrant for a blood draw and executed it. Authorities booked Martinez into MDC at 07:04AM on July 1st.
Charges Sandoval-Martinez Faces
Prosecutors have charged Sandoval-Martinez with two counts of Homicide by Vehicle (DWI), Reckless Driving, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Great Bodily Harm or Death, and Failure to Obey Traffic Control Devices/Failure to Obey a Sign.
As of this posting, it has not been announced when Sandoval- Martinez will go before a judge to determine if he will stay in custody.
Just sickeningly sad. How dare people believe their convenience and time is more precious than someone’s life. Never drink and drive. Its never worth it. As someone who works for OMI it breaks my heart seeing these senseless tragedies. I pray the family finds their piece and this man repents and understands his consequences and does time.