Posted on May 25, 2023

Crash at DWI checkpoint in Thoreau injures 3, including NMSP officer

THOREAU, NM - Three people were injured in a crash at a DWI checkpoint in Thoreau on Friday evening, according to the New Mexico State Police.

The incident happened at the intersection of New Mexico 371 and New Mexico 122 at about 6:40 p.m.  According to state police, 35-year-old Joshua Floehr of Bloomfield, New Mexico was driving a 2019 Mitsubishi SUV at a high rate of speed when he drove through the checkpoint.  The Mitsubishi hit a New Mexico State Police officer's unit and pushed it another officer's vehicle before coming to rest

An NMSP officer and two women, ages 49 and 34, were standing by an officer's vehicle and were hit by Floehr's car.  The officer tried to push one of the women out of the way to keep her from being struck.

All three injured victims were taken to an area hospital, where the officer was treated and released.  No details were provided on the condition of the women.    Floehr was arrested on multiple charges, including DUI resulting in great bodily harm by a vehicle, aggravated battery on a peace officer with a deadly weapon, and aggravated assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon.  He was booked at the McKinley County Detention Center.

The NMSP said alcohol and speed appeared to be contributing factors in the crash.