Las Cruces Police release name of motorcyclist killed over weekend

Las Cruces Police have released the name of the motorcyclist killed in Saturday’s crash near the Field of Dreams.

He has been identified as 19-year-old Michael Angel Perez of Mesilla Park.

Las Cruces Police were sent to the parking lot at 2501 Tashiro Dr. shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 and saw Perez motionless on the ground with what appeared to be severe trauma to the head.

Fire and ambulance personnel arrived but Perez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Las Cruces Police say that Perez and Victor Canales, 19, allegedly appeared to be racing each other on motorcycles.

Perez was driving a 1997 Harley-Davidson while Canales was driving a 2012 Yamaha.

Witnesses told police that the two motorcyclists were racing from south to north in the parking lot west of the Field of Dreams, when it appeared Perez lost control of his bike. Perez, who was not wearing a helmet, was thrown from the motorcycle.

Witnesses also told police shortly after Perez lost control of his Harley, Canales lost control of his motorcycle and also crashed. Canales suffered relatively minor injuries, and was transported to Memorial Medical Center where he was treated and released.

Both crashes are still under investigation. No citations have been issued.