Teen’s Arm Torn Off As She’s Dragged Underneath Boyfriend’s Truck
Imagine being pinned underneath a moving truck, with only a few inches between the undercarriage and the pavement.
As reported on ABC-7, that is what happened to a 17-year-old girl around 4 a.m. Sunday in the 5200 block of Comanche Trail, north of Las Cruces, Dona Ana County Sheriff?s said.
Investigators are not identifying the 17-year-old girl who remained in critical but stable condition Monday; but say, her arm was torn off as she was trapped underneath her boyfriend?s truck and dragged nearly 150 feet.
Neighbors said they were shocked to hear something this horrific happen so close to home.
?It?s a miracle she is still alive,? Claudio Ruiz, who?s lived along Comanche Trail for the past 17 years, said.
Claudio Ruiz said he was awakened early Sunday morning to horrific screams in his front yard.
“A lot of guys and girls were holding the truck but this guy didn’t stop,” Ruiz said.
It looks like an oil stain, but investigators said, the thick, black streak stretching down the middle of Comanche Trail is a human smear from the teenager?s dragged body.
“It’s just disturbing,? another neighbor said.
The residue from the girl?s body is now a horrific reminder of the tragedy, neighbors said.
“Every time I drive by I see her skin, her blood, it’s terrible, I can’t even explain how bad it is,? Louie Flores said. “I just feel so bad for her, the way she got dragged for so long, somebody didn’t notice that they were dragging somebody underneath their car.”
The driver ran over his girlfriend, investigators said. And as she was pinned under his truck, he continued to drive away.
“The investigators are trying to determine whether this was possibly an accident, a possible suspect trying to flee the party because he was being attacked by a group of people and did not see the young lady, or was it more intentional or reckless, and see the elements as a crime,” Amy Orlando, Deputy District Attorney of Dona Ana County, said.
As the investigation continues, the girl remains in the hearts and prayers of strangers, neighbors said.
“Everybody is just wishing the best,? Flores said. I’m hoping, everybody’s hoping, she pulls through.”
The driver, who investigators are also not identifying, is now a possible suspect, Orlando said.
No arrests have been made.