After SUV drives through Gallup parade, state police work to dispel rumors

GALLUP, N.M. — It was a chaotic and terrifying night in Gallup as ceremonial parade-goers watched, and helped, police stop a man after he plowed through the parade route.

33-year old Jeff Irving was drunk when he sped through Coal Avenue Thursday night, injuring more than a dozen people, including two Gallup police officers, according to New Mexico State Police.

State police are trying to clear up misinformation about this incident.

“So, you know, there are rumors circulating on social media saying that this incident had fatalities. At this time, there are no fatalities,” said Dusty Francisco, New Mexico State Police public information officer.

He also said no one was shot.

“So there were reports and we were made aware that there were shots fired during the parade. I can confirm at this time there were no shots that were fired during the incident at any time” Francisco said.

This is Irving’s second DWI charge, according to New Mexico State Police. This time he’s facing a long list of charges, including driving with a revoked license.

Irving’s passengers have not been charged yet, but they were taken to the Gallup Detox Center after being arrested by police. Charges for the two are not quite off the table though.

“We’re still gathering all the facts and details of the investigation. That could be a possibility at this time, but at this time, there is no charges for those two individuals,” said Francisco.

As of right now, the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial is scheduled to continue as planned. State police said they will be out there every day with beefed up patrols.