A Las Cruces man arrested Friday is suspected of driving intoxicated with his young son in the vehicle and crashing into a light pole on Missouri Avenue.
Adan A. Franco Jr., 24, of the 1500 block of La Fonda Drive, is charged with one count each of intentional child abuse, driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Franco also faces other motor vehicle code violations including careless driving, driving while license suspended or revoked, driving with expired registration and failure to provide proof of registration.
Shortly before 3 p.m. on Friday, May 6, a Las Cruces Police officer in a marked unit was stopped behind Franco’s white Chevrolet Malibu at a red light on Solano Drive at Missouri Avenue. As the light turned green, the officer turned north on Solano but noticed Franco’s vehicle swerve as it continued west on Missouri.
The officer quickly turned around to check on Franco’s welfare. When he caught up with the Malibu, the officer found that it had crashed through a light pole on Missouri and came to a rest on Chaparro Street.
The officer quickly realized that Franco’s 7-year-old son was in the backseat of the crashed vehicle. The officer also observed an odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from Franco and found the suspect to be in possession of a pipe commonly used for methamphetamine.
Investigators determined that the light pole struck by Franco came crashing down onto the Malibu, shattering the rear window and sending pieces of glass onto his young son.
No major injuries were reported.
Franco was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center. He has since been released on his own recognizance.
Information from Las Cruces Police