Man Arrested for Fatal DWI Crash was Driving Nearly 100 MPH
Mon. Nov. 29, 2021
ALBUQUERQUE – The man accused of driving drunk and causing a fatal crash last week was driving 96 miles per hour at the time of impact. Police also found six firearms, ammunition and drugs after executing a search warrant on the SUV being driven by 19-year-old Casino Salazar.
Police arrested Salazar after he was treated for his injuries at a hospital. He has been charged with Vehicular Homicide, Open Container and Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon.
On Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, Salazar was driving westbound on Montgomery around 7 p.m. when his Chevrolet SUV struck a silver GMC that was turning northbound onto Morris Street N.E.
The driver of the GMC, Kevin Barton, 58, was killed as a result of the crash.
Officers downloaded the Event Data Recorder from the vehicle Salazar was driving which determined he was traveling 96 miles per hour. The posted speed limit on the stretch of Montgomery where the crash occurred is 40 miles per hour.
Salazar and four passengers in the SUV were transported to a local hospital to be treated for their injuries. Witnesses identified Salazar as the driver and said he appeared to be intoxicated. Salazar was arrested and charged with Homicide by Vehicle (DWI), Open Container and Negligent Use of a Firearm.
Upon the execution of the search warrants on Salazar’s vehicle, officers seized the following:
- 3 Glock handguns
- 1 1911 handgun
- 1 AR-15 rifle
- 1 AK-47 rifle
- Miscellaneous Ammunition
- 185 grams of THC Wax
According to court records, Salazar was arrested last Tuesday, Nov. 16, following a similar incident in Roswell. Police said Salazar was traveling at a high rate of speed that resulted in a single-car crash. Salazar fled the scene on foot but was captured after a pursuit. He was charged with several crimes, including DWI, Resisting, Evading, or Obstructing an Officer. Police found more than $4,300 in cash on Salazar and several firearms.
Salazar remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center.