During the contact with the driver the deputy was advised that the female had been arguing and hitting the passengers in the car. The deputy went to re-contact the pedestrian when he saw she was running down the highway in the lane of traffic. The Deputy got back into his patrol vehicle and turned around to go get her but before he could catch up he observed her being struck by a vehicle that was traveling westbound on US 64.
From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office:
26 year-old Shiprock woman struck and killed on U.S. 64.
Date: July 27, 2016
San Juan County, NM – On Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at approximately 0034 hours, a deputy with San Juan County Sheriff’s Office was patrolling the area around the area of the 34 mile marker on US 64 when he saw a truck stopped by the side of the road. He made contact with the vehicle to see if they needed assistance.
When he initially contacted the vehicle, he observed a female outside of it standing on the shoulder. This female appeared to be intoxicated and upset. The deputy calmed her down and had her stand behind the truck while he contacted the driver.
During the contact with the driver he was advised that the female had been arguing and hitting the passengers in the car. The deputy went to re-contact the pedestrian when he saw she was running down the highway in the lane of traffic. The Deputy got back into his patrol vehicle and turned around to go get her but before he could catch up he observed her being struck by a vehicle that was traveling westbound on US64.
This occurred on an unlit portion of U.S. 64 West of Kirtland. The driver of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian was arrested for Driving while license suspended/revoked but is not deemed at fault for striking the pedestrian.
The deputy immediately requested an ambulance and began preforming CPR on the female. Medical personnel arrived and took over resuscitation efforts, but they were ineffective.
The female pedestrian was identified as 26 year-old Ashlynn Keeswood of Shiprock.