San Juan County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Fatal Pedestrian Crash
San Juan County, NM – On the morning of September 3rd, 2025, deputies responded to Road 5589 where a deceased male, identified as Alex Shirley, was found in a roadside ditch. The investigation revealed that Shirley was hit by a vehicle the evening before on September 2nd, 2025.
Using multiple means of evidence, the driver was identified as Alvin Paul who was driving a 2003 white Chevrolet when he veered off the road, hitting Shirley. Paul did not stop or report the crash and surveillance footage from a nearby business proved Paul as the driver. He later admitted to operating the vehicle carelessly.
At the time of the crash, Paul’s driver’s license was revoked from a prior DWI arrests. He has two prior DWI convictions and is currently on probation for the second DWI. Deputies also discovered Paul was driving to a convenience store where he purchased alcohol at the time of the crash.
Alvin Paul was arrested and charged with the following:
· Failing to Stop & Remain on Scene of an Accident (Death or Great Bodily Harm) (4th Degree Felony)
· Driving While License Revoked (DWI) (Misdemeanor) (2 COUNTS)
· Roadways Laned for Traffic (Failure to Maintain Traffic Lane) (Misdemeanor)
· Careless Driving (Careless, Inattentive, or Imprudent) (Misdemeanor)
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Alex Shirley. This fatality was absolutely preventable. We would like to remind everyone to not drive distracted or while intoxicated.
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Media Contact: Rebekah Click
San Juan County Sheriff's Office Public Information Manager
505-686-9811
clickr@sjcso.com
