Man accused of driving drunk, crashing into utility pole with 7-year-old son in car

A man accused of driving under the influence and crashing into a utility pole with his 7-year-old son in the car has been released on his own recognizance, according to Las Cruces Police.

Police charged Adan A. Franco Jr., 24, of the 1500 block of La Fonda Drive, with one count each of Intentional Child Abuse, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor or Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The crash happened last Friday afternoon.

A Las Cruces Police officer was behind Franco’s white Chevrolet Malibu at the intersection of Solano and Missouri.

When the light turned green, the officer turned north on Solano but noticed Franco’s vehicle swerve as it continued west on Missouri.

The officer turned around to follow the Malibu when he noticed its driver had crashed through a utility pole on Missouri. The light pole came crashing down onto the Malibu, but no one was hurt.

Franco’s 7-year-old son was allegedly in the backseat of the wrecked vehicle. The officer allegedly noticed the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from Franco and allegedly found the suspect to be in possession of a pipe commonly used for methamphetamine.

Franco was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center, but has since been released.

Franco also faces other minor charges, including careless driving, driving with a suspended license, and driving with expired registration.