facebook-pixel

No charges filed against Navajo lawmaker in pedestrian death

Rock Springs, N.M. • Tribal authorities say a Navajo Nation Council member is not facing any charges after he struck and killed an intoxicated pedestrian who was crossing a dark New Mexico highway.

Police say Tuchoney Slim, Jr. was traveling on State Route 264 near the community of Rock Springs on Dec. 20 when the accident happened.

Navajo criminal investigations director Dale West said Wednesday that the pedestrian was clad in dark clothing and had been drinking. He says Slim did not see the man and wasn't negligent or impaired.

Emergency responders pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene.

Navajo police did not release the man’s name, citing the ongoing investigation. West says authorities are awaiting a toxicology report.

Help The Tribune report the stories others can’t—or won’t.

For over 150 years, The Salt Lake Tribune has been Utah’s independent news source. Our reporters work tirelessly to uncover the stories that matter most to Utahns, from unraveling the complexities of court rulings to allowing tax payers to see where and how their hard earned dollars are being spent. This critical work wouldn’t be possible without people like you—individuals who understand the importance of local, independent journalism.  As a nonprofit newsroom, every subscription and every donation fuels our mission, supporting the in-depth reporting that shines a light on the is sues shaping Utah today.

You can help power this work.

$15$25$35
By The Associated Press