The driver believed to be responsible for a Thursday evening head-on collision that killed two women on Spruce Avenue has been charged with vehicular homicide.
Nicholas Esteban Gurrola, 31, of Las Cruces, is charged with two felony counts of vehicular homicide involving alcohol or drugs and one felony count of causing a crash that results in great bodily injury by motor vehicle. Gurrola also faces several traffic violations as a result of the deadly crash.
Two women, the driver and front passenger of the sport utility vehicle struck by Gurrola's minivan, died as a result of their injuries. A woman riding as a passenger in the SUV was transported to University Medical Center of El Paso in critical condition. A 2-year-old child, riding as a passenger in the SUV, was also injured in the crash. Her condition is not known at this time.
The names of the victims will not be released by police until their families have been properly notified.
About 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, Las Cruces police were dispatched to the crash that occurred near the intersection of Spruce Avenue and north Virginia Street. Preliminary information from the investigation indicates that Gurrola was driving east on Spruce in a white minivan. Gurrola's vehicle alleged side-swiped a westbound vehicle before crossing into oncoming traffic and crashing head-on into the SUV carrying the four victims.
Police learned Gurrola attempted to run away from the scene but was temporarily detained by passersby who witnessed the crash. Police took custody of Gurrola upon arrival. He was ultimately charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor counts and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center. He is currently being held without bond.
A portion of Spruce Avenue, between Solano Drive and Tornillo Street, was closed during the investigation.