Charges possible in semitruck crash that killed BCSO sergeant (NM-No info on immigration status)

The Albuquerque Journal ^ | May 13, 2026 | Nakayla McClelland

[CedarDave]

The Rio Rancho Police Department announced that the driver of a tractor-trailer that struck and killed a sergeant with the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office in February may face charges.

In a Wednesday news release, RRPD said investigators have developed probable cause against Miguel Orlando Perez for charges of careless driving and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle after his semi crashed into 52-year-old Sgt. Michael Schlattman.

Both charges are misdemeanors, and final charging decisions will be made by the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, according to a news release from Jayme Gonzales, spokesperson for BCSO.

The DA’s Office received the case Wednesday morning and will release any findings after a review has been completed, Bernalillo County DA Sam Bregman said.

On April 27, Schlattman’s family filed a petition to appoint a personal representative for a wrongful death lawsuit in 1st Judicial District Court.

“Petitioner intends to pursue an action for wrongful death damages… against persons and entities that may be responsible for Sgt. Schlattman’s death,” the petition states.

An initial traffic report from RRPD stated that Orlando Perez — who is in his late 50s and holds a valid Florida commercial driver’s license — initiated the collision.

Police said apparent contributing factors to the crash included the semi-driver's failure to yield to police vehicles, the position of the patrol vehicle and “low visibility due to glare."

The report stated that Orlando Perez had not consumed alcohol and road conditions were dry and clear the day of the crash. RRPD investigators said the semi was driving at approximately 64 mph at the time of the impact.

“The investigation also found no brakes were applied prior to the collision, and no mechanical issues with the semitruck or the patrol unit,” RRPD wrote in a news release.

[CedarDave]

The crash occurred on Monday, February 23 of this year. At the time and until now the driver of the semi had not been identified publicly. The driver's name is Miguel Orlando Perez and his CDL license is out of Florida. There was no mention of his immigration status in the article, but being from Florida his status may be perfectly legal.

[CedarDave]

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[CedarDave]

For readers who are familiar with the Albuquerque area, the accident occurred downgrade on westbound I-40 between Tijeras and Carnuel. Because State Police and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash and the death of a LEO, the Rio Rancho Police Department was tasked with the investigation of the incident.

[CedarDave]

Once again the mods have moved a perfectly good news story with correct coding to chat. At times I wonder why I still support FR.

[CedarDave]

The original news story was coded with crime, society, government and New Mexico. I was going to add Florida to it when the mods changed it to chat.

[Robert A Cook PE]

Gee. An “accident” in February (this year ?) killed a police officer (sheriff). And “just now” the DA decided to press misdemeanor charges.

Wow. Such sudden JustUs responses. (What color was the officer? What race? )

[RWGinger]

The Sgt Died
How could it be a misdemeanor?

[ConservativeMind]

The problem is not “new,” but every article is.

So it’s not really useful “news.”

[Crusher138]

Sam Bregman, the DA, is running for governor and promising to “protect” New Mexicans from ICE.

Tells you all you need to know.

[Liz]

Americans killed by illegally licensed migrants driving 18-wheelers jumped 50%
in the last 15 years. Hundreds of thousands are on US roads and are not legally licensed:
<><>these are foreign illegals who cannot read English road signs
<><>illegals who do not know American road laws.
<><>shockingly NY and Ca hand out CDLs to illegals with “No Name Given”.
<><>The problem is excruciatingly bad
<><>ICE checkpoints at random stops in Ok alone can nab 130 illegals in three days.
<><>Companies blatantly advertise CDL courses to migrant populations living in the U.S.

Until today, trucking companies were not liable for hiring these unvetted, unsafe, illegal drivers. They could point to a fraudulently obtained license out of a liberal state and say they thought the driver was legit. The American killed by an illegal CDL holder was not their problem. Lower courts, including the Seventh Circuit, agreed. States could not penalize trucking companies’ hiring practices because it went against the “service” related to interstate transport.

Now the USSC says the FAA law does not preempt these negligent hiring claims.....ruling that states have a responsibility for “safety regulatory authority” over motor vehicles (since they, not the US govt are the ones issuing licenses and registrations).

[zeestephen]

Re: "News story moved to Chat"

I just click on the "Everything" button.

I can scan 100% of the new Free Republic posts in about one hour, once a day.

FR is still my all time favorite News and Political website.

I will continue to donate every month, and I will read it every day, until it disappears.

Or - until I disappear.

[Freedom4US]

Life is Cheap now, in the formerly United States.

“Misdemeanor” literally means “Minor crime”. That’s right boys and girls, killing someone is considered minor. Barely an inconvenience, really.