Deputy crashes
Trevor-Smith hits car, injures woman

New Mexico State Police officers investigate a two-vehicle collision later Sunday afternoon at the intersection of Hasler Valley Road and County Road 5 near Gallup. The collision involved McKinley County Sheriff's Deputy John Trevor-Smith's cruiser and a 2004 Dodge Neon. [Photo by Jeremy Schneider/Independent]

By Pamela G. Dempsey
Staff Writer

GALLUP — At least one serious injury was sustained in an automobile accident late Sunday afternoon when a McKinley County Sheriff's Unit collided with a 2004 Dodge Neon on Hassler Valley Road just outside Gallup.

At about 5:51 p.m., New Mexico State Police responded to the scene at the intersection of Hassler Valley Road and County Road 5 after McKinley County Deputy John Trevor-Smith, 40, reported the accident he had been involved in.

Officers spent most of Sunday evening taking photographs, interviewing witnesses, and marking up the scene that left one elderly woman seriously injured.

According to Sgt. Rick Doty, the New Mexico State Police Shift Supervisor on duty, Trevor-Smith was eastbound on Hassler Valley Road in response to a "fight call" at White Cliffs.

Doty said Trevor-Smith failed to stop at an intersection and collided with the Neon that was traveling south on County Road 5.

"It's unsure weather the deputy had his lightas and siren on," Doty said.

All occupants were transported to local hospitals. Irene Dahozy, 79, of Tohatchi was seriously injured and transported to Albuquerque.

Louise Dahozy, 49, and Jeffrey Billsia, 46, both of Brimhall and occupants of the Neon, were injured and hospitalized.

Trevor-Smith was treated and released.

Although contacted by The Independent, Trevor-Smith could not provide any comment on the accident.

Trevor-Smith's police dog was uninjured.

The McKinley County Sheriff's Office, Gallup/McKinley County Fire Department, Navajo Police Department, and Med Star responded as well.

The New Mexico State Police continues to investigate the accident.

"Further information will be forthcoming," Doty said.