Driver charged in U.S. 54 accident, alcohol suspected

May 16-- May 16--An accident May 10, on U.S. 54 resulted in one driver being charged and three people transported to an area hospital.

At 3:04 p.m. New Mexico State Police officers investigated a vehicle collision on north U.S. 54 near mile marker 159 outside of Corona, according to information from the agency.

The investigation indicated a 1996 green Chevy pickup driven by Miles Wilkes, 27, of McIntosh, New Mexico, was traveling north on U.S. 54 and drove into the southbound lane, colliding head on with a southbound 2018 white Nissan passenger car, according to information from NMSP Public Information Officer Ray Wilson.

Two El Paso women in the Nissan, ages 34 and 28, were transported to an area hospital for severe injuries. Wilkes also was transported for severe injuries.

Investigators suspect that Wilkes was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash, Wilson wrote in the accident summary.

Upon Wilkes' release from the hospital, he has been ordered to appear before Ruidoso Magistrate Court judge on charges of great bodily harm by vehicle while DWI; driving under the influence of alcohol and or drugs; reckless driving; and no insurance.

All defendants are considered innocent unless convicted in a court of law, Wilson pointed out.

Reporter Dianne Stallings can be contacted at [email protected]

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