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

TULAROSA, N.M. — A 24-year-old man is facing DWI-related charges after New Mexico State Police say he ran a stop sign and caused a three-vehicle crash near Tularosa on Friday afternoon that sent 11 people to the hospital, including two who were flown to El Paso.

New Mexico State Police (NMSP) arrested Oren J. Shanta following the crash on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. He has been charged with great bodily harm by vehicle (DWI) and reckless driving.

Multiple patients, three trapped

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

When officers arrived, emergency medical personnel were already treating multiple patients. Fire crews worked to free three people who were trapped inside the van.

Witnesses describe high speed, missed stop sign

According to witness statements, Shanta was driving the Chevrolet 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 car struck the white van, which was carrying 10 people, and the silver SUV, which was carrying three.

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

Signs of impairment

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

After further investigation, officers placed Shanta under arrest. He is charged with:

Great bodily harm by vehicle (DWI)

Reckless driving

No fatalities have been reported. The current conditions of those injured have not been released.

Charges are accusations only. Shanta is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Information in this article was provided by the New Mexico State Police.

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