Street with white markings.

Las Cruces police believe excessive speed and alcohol may have been contributing factors in a crash that critically injured a 22-year-old man early Saturday morning.

Shortly before 2:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, Las Cruces police and fire personnel were dispatched to the report of a crash on the 1600 block of east May Avenue. First responders arrived to find the driver of a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class critically injured.

The driver was initially transported to a local hospital and then to University Medical Center of El Paso where he remains in critical condition.

LCPD Traffic investigators determined the driver was traveling eastbound on east May Avenue. After crossing Nevarez Street, his vehicle drove onto the southside sidewalk where it struck a sign and a mailbox. The vehicle then veered left, across the roadway, where it struck a parked and unoccupied Ford F-350 head-on.

Both vehicles sustained major damage.

Police believe the driver of the Mercedes was not wearing a seatbelt. He was partially ejected through the windshield and sustained critical injuries.

No other injuries were reported.

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