New Mexico State Police District 12 units arrived, assumed the investigation, and discovered that one of the drivers struck in the crash was trapped inside their vehicle.
Source: New Mexico State Police (via Facebook)
Photos: Courtesy
On May 8, 2026, at approximately 1:39 a.m., a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) was aired to law enforcement agencies for a wrong-way driver traveling on I-10 near milepost 123. U.S. Border Patrol advised that the vehicle had crashed into two vehicles after continuing the wrong way near milepost 102 in Luna County.
New Mexico State Police District 12 units arrived, assumed the investigation, and discovered that one of the drivers struck in the crash was trapped inside their vehicle. The victim was eventually extracted and transported to a local hospital, where they were later pronounced deceased. Another occupant involved in the crash was transported with a head injury.
The wrong-way driver was identified as 31-year-old Artem Durnov, of Russia. Investigating officers believed Durnov was under the influence at the time of the crash. He was arrested, booked into the Luna County Detention Center, and charged with the following:
- Homicide by Vehicle – Negligent Manslaughter (DWI)
- DWI (Drugs)
- Reckless Driving
This tragedy is another heartbreaking reminder that impaired driving is not an accident, it is a selfish and dangerous decision that destroys lives, families, and communities in an instant. Choosing to drive under the influence puts everyone on the road at risk, and in this case, it cost an innocent person their life.
New Mexico State Police remains committed to apprehending impaired drivers and holding those who choose to drive under the influence accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
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