Investigation Clears Socorro Officer in On-Duty Car Crash

SOCORRO- Socorro police have concluded their investigation into an accident involving an officer last weekend.
On Sunday, August 14, Socorro Police Officer Hector Miramontes was involved in a collision with another vehicle as he was responding to a call for backup on a traffic stop.

Officer Miramontes was passing a vehicle with his emergency lights on when the other driver veered into the left lane, causing the police cruiser to hit a fence and drive into the yard of a nearby house. Upon reviewing data, Socorro PD says according to GPS data, Officer Miramontes was not speeding. Officer Miramontes, a three year veteran of the Socorro Police Department, sustained head and neck injuries and as yet remains on medical leave. No date has been set for his return to duty.

The other driver, Aaron Moran, faces DWI charges in the accident. Socorro Detectives are still waiting for the results of toxicology. Moran has admitted to investigators he had consumed alcohol, and investigators and medical technicians at the scene report indications alcohol is involved, including the strong smell of alcohol on Moran’s breath.