Staff Reports
A violent two-vehicle crash recently left one woman dead and one other person injured near Highway 66.
The collision occurred about 8:26 pm Jan. 25 at the intersection of Arnold Street and West Historic Highway 66. Officer Vincent Thompson responded to the scene and found a damaged blue Chevrolet Silverado and a black Ford Escape that had rolled over in the motorway.
Thompson spoke to a witness at the Golden Desert Motel at 1205 W. Hwy. 66, who stated she saw the Silverado speeding and running a yellow light before striking the Escape at the intersection, causing it to roll over.
The driver of the Escape, Orlando Becenti, was able to get out of the wrecked vehicle, but his mother, identified as Allen Becenti, suffered fatal injuries. First responders arrived and found her unresponsive in the passenger seat. Her wrists were broken during the crash.
Orlando said he and his mother were finishing some chores on the east side of town and were headed to the nearby car wash. He did not recall anything else beside “being upside down.” He was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and his condition was not listed as of Feb. 5.
Thompson also spoke to the driver of the Silverado, Lance Benally, 30. He was found stuck inside the damaged truck and had to be extracted before being questioned. Benally said he was heading home after getting groceries but was “not driving right.” Thompson and other officers observed Benally show signs of intoxication including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and smelling of alcohol.
Officers also found open containers of Vitali Vodka and Southern Comfort inside his vehicle.
Based on the investigation, officers placed Benally under arrest. He was transported to Gallup Indian Medical Center for a blood draw, after which he was flown out to UNM hospital. A warrant was filed for his arrest with charges of vehicular homicide, aggravated DWI, and open container. His detention and preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 10.
