New Mexico State Police Track Down Fatal Hit-and-Run Suspect Using ALPR Technology

New Mexico State Police used advanced license plate recognition technology to apprehend a man involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash near Deming on Saturday, Nov. 23. The crash, which occurred on New Mexico Highway 11 near milepost 8, resulted in the death of 69-year-old Kevin O’Leary, who was found lying near his bicycle after being struck by a vehicle.

A passing motorist noticed debris and a bicycle off the side of the road and stopped to investigate. Upon finding O’Leary’s body, the motorist immediately called 911. However, the vehicle responsible for the crash had fled the scene, and no witnesses were present.

In response, New Mexico State Police issued a “be-on-the-lookout” (BOLO) alert for a red vehicle suspected of having front-end damage. Using an Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system, authorities quickly identified the suspect vehicle as a 2011 red Cadillac sedan. Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection later informed State Police that a vehicle matching the description had crossed into Mexico shortly after the crash occurred at the Columbus port of entry.

Further investigation led to the identification of the driver, 33-year-old Noel Ronquillo Jr., who was arrested on Monday, Nov. 25, in Deming. Ronquillo has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident involving death or great bodily harm.

New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler praised the ALPR technology for its role in solving the case swiftly. “This system identified the vehicle involved in a homicide, leading to an arrest. Without this technology, this case might not have been solved so quickly, and a dangerous offender might still be on the street,” Weisler said.

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