NMSP arrests driver on DWI-related charges following three-vehicle crash that left 11 injured

At approximately 4:04 p.m., NMSP officers were dispatched to the intersection of U.S. 70 and Old Mescalero Road for a crash involving a black Chevrolet passenger car, a white van and a silver SUV.

When officers arrived, emergency medical personnel were treating multiple patients. Fire crews also worked to rescue three people trapped in the van.

According to witness statements, the driver of the Chevrolet, identified as 24-year-old Oren J. Shanta, was traveling northbound on Old Mescalero Road at a high rate of speed when he failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 70. His vehicle struck a white van carrying 10 occupants and a silver SUV carrying three occupants.

At least six passengers from the van, two from the black Chevrolet and Shanta were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Two additional passengers from the van were airlifted to a hospital in El Paso.

While speaking with Shanta at the scene, officers detected an odor of alcohol coming from him and observed other signs that led them to believe he was impaired.

Following further investigation, Shanta was placed under arrest and charged with:

• Great Bodily Harm by Vehicle (DWI)

• Reckless Driving

No fatalities have been reported. The present conditions of those injured are unknown.