Following a thorough investigation into a deadly motorcycle crash that occurred earlier this year, El Paso police have made an arrest. Nathan Verdugo was taken into custody and charged with Intoxication Manslaughter, the city's ninth traffic fatality of the year. The Special Traffic Investigators concluded their probe and obtained a warrant for Verdugo, arrested on Thursday, as detailed by the City of El Paso.
The fateful incident unfolded on March 3rd, when Verdugo was reportedly operating a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle at a high speed along US-54 South. Attempting to navigate onto the ramp to I-10 West, his motorcycle collided with the barrier. The collision caused his female passenger to be thrown from the bike, resulting in her immediate death at the scene. Verdugo himself sustained serious injuries and required hospital treatment. This tragedy marked a slight decline in traffic-related deaths, with the count at nine compared to eleven at the same time the previous year.
Verdugo, now behind bars at the El Paso County Detention Facility, faces serious charges stemming from the incident. Driving under the influence, combined with the lethal outcome, has led to the current Intoxication Manslaughter charge, a grave situation for all involved. The case also shines a light on the continuous battle against impaired driving and the irrevocable damage it can cause. While traffic fatalities may have decreased in number since last year, the repercussions for families and friends of those lost echo with a resounding and enduring pain.
