El Paso police narcotics detective killed in Arizona traffic crash blamed on drunk driver

BYLAS, Arizona -- An El Paso police narcotics detective and retired sergeant major in the Texas Army National Guard was killed in a weekend traffic crash in eastern Arizona that authorities blamed on a drunk driver.

51-year-old Richard Allbee died when his pickup truck was struck head-on by another pickup that crossed the center line on U.S. 70 near Bylas on Sunday evening.

Allbee's wife, 58-year-old Norma Allbee, was riding with him in the pickup and was flown to Banner-University Medical Center in Tucson, where relatives told ABC-7 that she remained in critical condition on Monday.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety said "alcohol impairment" was believed to be a key factor in the deadly collision. Authorities identified the other pickup driver as 50-year-old John Savage, who also remained hospitalized, but they did not indicate what charges he might face.

Sgt. Robert Gomez, an El Paso police spokesman, said he knew Allbee well and called him "a very good person" who would be greatly missed.

The 3rd Battalion of the 133rd Field Artillery posted an online statement saying it was "saddened to hear of the tragic death... The Gunslingers Battalion Command Team, staff and Soldiers offer their heartfelt condolences to his family and friends," the statement said.

There were no immediate details available on funeral services.

(Editor's note: The Gila Herald newspaper in Arizona contributed to this report.)