A firefighter from Albuquerque was hit by a drunk driver during the call, he is in serious condition

October 28. A woman was arrested after allegedly hitting an on-duty firefighter while driving drunk on Interstate 25 early Sunday morning.

Rebecca Melchor, 24, of Cochiti Pueblo, is charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving and open container.

Melchor is being held in the capital’s SIZO. Her attorney could not be reached for comment.

Prosecutors filed a motion to keep Melchor behind bars in court, saying her actions “threatened the lives and safety of all first responders, as well as the drivers.”

“In particular, she caused significant bodily harm to the firefighter whom she hit,” the petition states. “This incident could have been completely avoided by the defendant due to the availability of designated drivers and ride promotions. The defendant’s actions demonstrate a complete disregard for the lives and safety of others. Furthermore, this court cannot create conditions of release that will keep the public safe.”

Albuquerque Fire-Rescue spokesman Jason Feuer said at 2:26 a.m. Sunday, AFR responded to a report of a vehicle hitting a Jersey barrier causing a rollover northbound on Interstate 25 in Comanche.

At 2:51 a.m. Sunday, New Mexico State Police arrived to find an injured firefighter leaving in an ambulance.

Feuer said the AFR lieutenant was taken to a local hospital in critical condition with “serious injuries” after he was hit by a car while returning to his truck on a call.

“The impact caused loss of consciousness and severe bodily injuries,” he said.

Police said they later saw Melchor sitting in a Volkswagen with a damaged windshield and acting “confused and erratic.” They said she told them she was heading north on I-25 when she got off, “hit the breaks as fast as she could” and hit the firefighter, then stopped. An Isleta police officer told state police they “heard the brakes lock” before she hit the firefighter.

The complaint states that during the police conversation with Melchor, her eyes were watery and bloodshot, and she smelled of alcohol. Police said she then told them she had “half a bottle of wine” and cranberry vodka before getting into the car. They later found Mike’s Hard Lemonade in the car.

“This weekend one of our own was seriously injured while responding to a call,” said Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo. “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.”