Lea County Sheriff's Office

10/22/2026

✏️🍎 PERFECT ATTENDANCE PAYS OFF! 🍎✏️

Congratulations to these two students at Lea Elementary who were selected in a raffle to win a special luncheon with their School Resource Officer, Deputy Aguirre!👮🏻‍♀️🍛

Showing up to school every day matters, and these students are being rewarded for their dedication and commitment to their education!📚👏🏻

The Lea County Sheriff’s Office is proud to support our students, encourage school attendance, and continue building positive relationships between law enforcement and our youth💙

Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep shining! 🌟

10/22/2026

🚨 ROAD REOPENING UPDATE | COUNTY ROAD 1 (C1) 🚨

✅ GOOD NEWS, LEA COUNTY! THE ROAD IS NOW OPEN!

Lea County is pleased to announce that County Road 1 (C1), also known as Orla Road, has reopened to traffic following the precautionary closure.

🚧 ROADWAY REOPENED:
County Road 1 (C1), from NM Highway 128 to Battle Axe Road, is now OPEN to motorists.

👏 THANK YOU!
Lea County sincerely thanks our residents and motorists for their patience, understanding, and cooperation during the closure.

Your safety remains our priority. Drive safely, Lea County! 💚

10/21/2026

10/19/2026

✅ UPDATE | ROAD NOW OPEN ✅

🚨 COUNTY ROAD 1 (C1) – ORLA ROAD

UPDATE: OCTOBER 22, 2026 12am

Good news, Lea County! County Road 1 (C1), also known as Orla Road, has officially reopened to traffic!

🚗 ROADWAY REOPENED:
County Road 1 (C1), from NM Highway 128 to Battle Axe Road, is now OPEN to motorists.

Lea County sincerely appreciates everyone’s patience, understanding, and cooperation throughout the closure.

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🚨 ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE | COUNTY ROAD 1 (C1)

Lea County officials are advising motorists of a precautionary road closure due to an ongoing loss of containment incident at an oilfield location along Orla Road, approximately one mile north of Cotton Draw.

🚧 ROAD CLOSURE: County Road 1 (C1) will be closed from NM HWY 128 to Battle Axe Road.

⚠️ INCIDENT UPDATE:
A precautionary evacuation zone of approximately half a mile has been established around the affected area.

✅ No injuries have been reported at this time.

Company representatives are actively monitoring air quality and have notified the appropriate agencies. Emergency personnel are also monitoring the situation and will continue coordinating with company representatives throughout the incident.

🚗 MOTORIST ADVISORY:
The road closure is expected to remain in effect for an extended period. Motorists are urged to seek alternate routes, avoid the affected area, and DO NOT attempt to enter any designated closure zones.

We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as crews continue working to ensure the safety of the surrounding area.

📢 Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

10/17/2026

🚨🚧UPDATE: 9:16am; All lanes are now open🚧🚨

Deputies report a crash on Hwy 176 MM 5. All lanes of travel will be closed at this time. Please seek an alternative route, slow down and watch for any vehicles or emergency personnel. 🚨

10/16/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fatal Two-Vehicle Commercial Motor Vehicle Crash Under Investigation

Lea County, New Mexico-On Thursday, October 15, 2026, at approximately 1:47 a.m., deputies with the Lea County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal two-vehicle commercial motor vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. at the intersection of New Mexico Highway 128 and Orla Road near Jal, New Mexico.

Upon arrival, a patrol deputy observed two commercial motor vehicles fully engulfed in flames on the north side of the intersection. Two deceased males were located near their respective vehicles.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a Kenworth commercial motor vehicle, driven by Luis Diaz Mederos, 34, of Alton, Texas, was traveling northbound on Orla Road when it failed to stop at the stop sign. The Kenworth struck a westbound Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle traveling on Highway 128, driven by Mario Montes, 46, of Sanford, North Carolina.

Following the collision, both vehicles left the roadway and entered the bar ditch. The Peterbilt was hauling flammable materials and subsequently caught fire. After the Jal Fire Department extinguished the fire, both drivers were confirmed deceased.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Lea County Sheriff’s Office at 575-396-3611.

No further information will be released at this time

10/15/2026

Behind every uniform, every role, and every act of service is a story worth sharing💙

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end, we’re proud to highlight some of the members of the Lea County Sheriff’s Office who serve our community. Their unique backgrounds, cultures, traditions, and commitment to service help shape who we are as an agency and strengthen the communities we serve.

Our deputies are committed to building stronger connections within our community by breaking down language barriers, improving communication, and ensuring that all members of our community feel safe, respected, and heard. We believe that building trust begins with understanding, connection, and a shared commitment to serving everyone.

Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic communities while celebrating the diversity that makes our community stronger. We are proud to recognize the heritage, experiences, and dedication of our team members who make a difference every day.

Different backgrounds. Shared purpose. One community.

10/15/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Fatal Crash Under Investigation

Lea County, New Mexico-On Thursday, October 15, 2026, at approximately 2:00 a.m., deputies with the Lea County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal crash at the intersection of New Mexico Highway 128 and Orla Road.

The crash resulted in fatalities. The incident remains under investigation, and additional details will not be released at this time.

The Lea County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information relevant to the investigation to contact Traffic Investigator Deputy Dowell at the Lea County Sheriff’s Office 575-396-3611.

The Lea County Sheriff’s Offices appreciates the public’s assistance and cooperation as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available and as appropriate to the ongoing investigation.

No further information is available for release at this time. # # #

10/15/2026

🚨🚧UPDATE: 12:45; All lanes are now open🚧🚨

Deputies report a crash on Hwy 128 and Orla Rd. All lanes of travel will be closed at this time. Please seek an alternative route, slow down and watch for any vehicles or emergency personnel. 🚨

10/11/2026

‼️Holiday Closure Notice‼️

The Lea County Sheriff’s Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026 in observance of Indigenous Day. Normal hours and operations will resume on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

🚨Our Deputies and Dispatch Services remain available 24/7. If you need assistance, please call.
📞 Emergency? Call 911 🚨
📞 Non-emergency? Call 575-396-3611

We hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday!