Suspected drunk driver arrested after assaulting on-duty firefighter AFR

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico State Police arrested a suspected drunken driver after he struck an Albuquerque Fire Rescue lieutenant who was at the scene of another crash at Comanche and Interstate 25 early Monday morning.

At 2:26 a.m., AFR Engine 19 and Rescue 19 were tending to a crash on the northbound exit of I-25 to Comanche when 24-year-old Rebecca Melchor left the freeway at 65 mph, according to a criminal complaint. She hit the firefighter as he was walking from Albuquerque EMS back to 19 Ambulance.

After providing medical aid on the spot, the firefighter was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. He remains in a serious but stable condition, according to an AFR press release.

State police said Melchor gave off a strong odor of alcohol and failed field sobriety tests. She underwent further tests at the state police office before being booked into the city’s detention center.

Melchor is charged with careless driving, grievous bodily harm (driving while intoxicated or under the influence of any drug) and open container (drinks).

AFR head Emily Jaramillo issued a statement about the incident.

“One of our own was seriously injured during a service call this weekend,” she said. “AFR firefighters face these dangers every day and we are reminded of their courage and dedication to service in times like these. We look forward to a full recovery and will continue to support him and his family as he recovers from these injuries.”

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