Police vow more patrols on US 550

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) - Police agencies are vowing to do more consistent patrols along U.S. 550 after the rural four-lane highway was the site of six alcohol-related deaths during a recent six-week period.

The Farmington Daily Times reports that the deaths prompted community outrage from the Nageezi, Huerfano and Counselor chapters of the Navajo Nation.

The three chapters passed a handful of resolutions on Jan. 8 calling for better law enforcement presence, not just on the highway, but in the Navajo communities along the road.

Representatives of the county, state and Navajo law enforcement agencies presented a list of solutions to the long-standing problems.

San Juan County Sheriff Ken Christesen says increased patrols have yielded 25 stops during the last week, many of people driving on suspended licenses because of previous DUI charges.

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Information from: The Daily Times