Pedestrian hit, killed on US 491

By Leslie Wood
Staff Writer

GALLUP — A 70-year-old Mexican Springs man was killed on Saturday afternoon when he walked into oncoming traffic that was traveling along U.S. Highway 491.

The man was identified as Wallace Bitsie, according to Lt. Darren Soland, of the New Mexico State Police.

Bitsie was attempting to cross the highway near Mile Marker 3.3 when he was struck by a 2004 GMC pickup truck at 5:48 p.m. He was killed instantly.

Soland said a state police officer was conducting a traffic stop in the area and warned Bitsie about the traffic prior to the accident.

Officers suspect alcohol on the part of the Bitsie contributed to the accident, but will make a final determination once the Office of the Medical Examiner in Albuquerque completes an autopsy.

The truck's driver was not injured as a result of the accident. The driver was not cited.


Ornaments stolen
Someone stole two lighted ornamental deer from a holiday display at the Red Rock Animal Hospital over the weekend.

Holly Partington, a veterinarian technician for the animal hospital, said the plastic deer were taken from the location at 816 S. Boardman Ave. sometime on Sunday between 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The deer are part of a lighted Christmas display that stands near the entrance to the business, Partington said. This is the second year the owners created such a display.

The deer are valued at about $120 as a set. They stand a couple of feet tall and are described as typical yard ornaments.

Partington expressed concern that someone would steal from a display that is intended to celebrate the Christmas holiday.

"How dare someone steal from the Christmas spirit," Partington said.

She encouraged anyone with information about the theft, to call the hospital at 722-2251.

"We miss (the deer) and want them back home," Partington said.