Man Drunkenly Drove Into Floodwaters Killing His Passenger, New Mexico Cops Say

A man drunkenly drove into floodwaters, killing a passenger and now faces criminal charges, police said.

This week, New Mexico State Police announced the arrest of John Vasquez in connection to the case.

The incident started around 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 7, police said. Troopers responded in Mora County, New Mexico, for a truck with two men inside that had driven into floodwaters. Witnesses said the truck drove around several vehicles that were stopped and then was swept away.

Rescuers spoke with the driver, Vasquez, who got out of the vehicle before it was swept away, police said.

After receiving first aid, Vasquez walked away from the area.

Rescuers tried to get to the other person in the truck, but the water was too strong, police said. Hours later the water receded, and officials found Benjamin Torres, 64, dead inside the truck.

Police found Vasquez at his home, and he admitted he drank alcohol before driving into the floodwaters, authorities said.

Troopers arrested Vasquez and charged homicide by vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and leaving the scene of an accident knowing there was death or great bodily harm.