The Roswell (NM) Daily Record reports that Chris Otero, promoter of the Area 51 Dragway, was killed in an accident involving a Harley Davidson motorcycle and a 1996 Buick Century at about 4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20. According to police, Otero, 40, was traveling north in the 1600 block of South Sunset Avenue when the car’s driver attempted to make a left turn across traffic.

Ronald Griffus, 63, was charged with vehicular homicide and booked into the Chaves County Adult Detention Center. According to police, Griffus is suspected of being under the influence of prescription medication. Police say Otero was not wearing a helmet and suffered major trauma to his head and upper torso. He was transported by ambulance to Eastern New Mexico Medical Center, and was pronounced dead a short time later. [10/21/09]