Clovis man dies after second vehicle crash

Staff report

A Clovis driver involved in two single-vehicle crashes minutes apart died from his injuries on Saturday in Roosevelt County.

Edgar Perales, 52, died after he was ejected from his vehicle following the second crash, police said.

According to a New Mexico State Police press release, Clovis Fire / EMS personnel were initially dispatched to a single-vehicle crash at 10:42 a.m. Saturday on U.S. Highway 70, between Clovis and Portales.

When emergency responders attempted to speak to the driver, later identified as Perales, he drove away from the scene, his Ford Ranger traveling in the west ditch along the southbound traffic lanes.

New Mexico State Police Capt. Matthew Broom of Clovis said lights and sirens were on as the fire / EMS responders followed Perales’ vehicle for approximately one mile before contacting law enforcement officers for assistance.

A Curry County deputy arrived to follow the vehicle, also using sirens.

“The lights were on,” Broom said, “but I wouldn’t call it a pursuit. It was to render aid. The speed is still under investigation.”

Perales’ vehicle drove back into the southbound lanes of traffic, crossed the center median and into the northbound lanes of the highway before overturning into the east-side ditch.

The second crash was 1.7 miles from the initial incident.

This time, Perales was ejected from the vehicle. He was taken to Roosevelt General Hospital where he was later pronounced dead, the release said.