NEWS
Driver charged in I-40 crash that killed BCSO sergeant
Truck driver faces petty misdemeanor charges in February crash
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A truck driver from Florida has been charged in a February crash that left a Bernalillo County Sheriff鈥檚 Office sergeant dead on Interstate 40 east of Albuquerque.
Miguel Orlando Perez, 59, of Jacksonville, Florida, is charged with careless driving and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle in the death of Sgt. Michael Schlattman, 52.
Schlattman was conducting a traffic stop Feb. 23 on eastbound I-40 near Carnuel when Orlando Perez鈥檚 semitruck struck the rear of his patrol vehicle, pinning him beneath and killing him.
鈥淚nvestigators determined the semi-truck was traveling approximately 64 mph at the time of the crash and that no brakes were applied before impact,鈥� Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman said in a social media post. 鈥淭he investigation also found no mechanical issues with either the semi-truck or Sgt. Schlattman鈥檚 patrol vehicle.鈥�
Careless driving is a petty misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $300 fine, according to court records. The second charge carries a $50 penalty.
Charging documents provided no additional details.
Orlando Perez is expected to appear virtually in court in June, though an official hearing date has not been set, according to Nancy Laflin, spokesperson for the District Attorney鈥檚 Office.
Mary Ann and James Schlattman, Michael Schlattman鈥檚 parents, said they were somewhat relieved charges had been filed.
鈥淚n a way yes, because obviously something did happen because his truck hit the car and killed our son,鈥� Mary Ann Schlattman told the Journal.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a little premature to try and cast any decision or feelings or opinions on it, because that鈥檚 what the courts are for,鈥� James Schlattman added. 鈥淢y son is dead, and I think it鈥檚 important to get to the bottom of it.鈥�
Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen said in a statement the department continues to mourn Schlattman鈥檚 death.
鈥淲hile no legal outcome can ever replace the life we lost, we are grateful for the thorough investigation conducted in this case,鈥� Allen said. 鈥淲e remain focused on supporting Sgt. Schlattman鈥檚 family, our deputies and ensuring his legacy of service is never forgotten.鈥�
On May 13, the Rio Rancho Police Department, which investigated the crash as an uninvolved agency, said investigators had developed probable cause to charge Orlando Perez.
An initial RRPD traffic report states factors that contributed to the collision included the semi driver鈥檚 failure to yield to police vehicles and 鈥渓ow visibility due to glare.鈥�
Bregman said in a news release that the position of Schlattman鈥檚 patrol vehicle and driver inattention also contributed to the crash.
Schlattman was the first of two New Mexico officers to be killed in the line of duty this year.
On May 23, Taos County Sheriff鈥檚 Office Sgt. Joseph Apodaca was killed after crashing into another deputy鈥檚 vehicle while authorities searched for a reckless driver.
Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.
