Posted on Sep 18, 2024

Man charged in fatal drunk driving accident in Kirtland

FARMINGTON, NM - Authorities said a man is facing charges in connection with a fatal accident that occurred in San Juan County.

According to a report by the Tri-City Record, the suspect is 40-year-old Valtino Tsosie of Farmington, who was arrested last week.

An affidavit for arrest warrant stated that Tsosie was driving a four-seat Polaris all-terrain vehicle on July 10 when the crash occurred shortly before 3 a.m. in the area of County Road 6480 and County Road 6200 in Kirtland.   He was allegedly driving at high speeds when the wreck occurred.  One man was killed and three others were seriously injured, including a 15-year-old boy.

Tsosie has been charged with second-degree felony homicide by vehicle, third-degree felony great bodily injury by vehicle, and first-degree felony child abuse.   He reportedly admitted to investigators that he had about six beers that night and multiple beer cans were found in the vehicle, according to the affidavit.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for Oct. 3. 

Further updates will be provided by our Albuquerque car accident lawyer as more information becomes available regarding the incident.