Roswell police vehicle involved in deadly crash

Roswell police vehicle involved in crash

A Roswell police vehicle crashed along Main Street Wednesday, killing another driver.

ROSWELL, N.M. — A Roswell police officer crashed into another vehicle, killing that driver, while responding in his unit to a call Wednesday morning.

Around 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, the Roswell Police Department stated an officer was actively responding with lights and sirens to a call about a crash with multiple people injured. The officer was going south on North Main Street when an Oldsmobile tried turning left on the other side. The officer crashed into the Oldsmobile.

Paramedics took the officer and the driver of the Oldsmobile to the hospital.

The driver of the Oldsmobile died. Police identified him as 66-year-old Howard Peterson.

The officer is still receiving medical treatment but is expected to recover. Police said the officer has been with the department for five years, including the last four years as a patrol officer.

Roswell Police Chief Lance Bateman extended his condolences to Peterson’s family. Chief Bateman said they will investigate the crash to ensure the officer followed department policies and procedures.