News release Curry Co. Sheriff’s Office. On July 23, 2016 at approximately 2:30 am the Curry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single vehicle crash on Hunter Creek Road at approximately MP 5. The initial responding deputy determined the crash involved one vehicle with three occupants. The vehicle a 1998 Chevrolet pickup was being operated by Ricardo Rangel, who at the time of the crash had two occupants. At this location Rangel lost control of his vehicle and slide into an embankment. At the scene it was determined that Rangel had been operating his pickup while under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol) and that speed was also a factor in the crash. As result of the crash both occupants in Rangel’s vehicle were transported to and treated at Curry General Hospital for injuries. Both passengers were also found to have consumed alcohol. Prior to the crash Rangel and his passengers had attended a party at “Sugar Loaf Bar” on Hunter Creek Road. Further investigations determined there had been a large gathering of minors at “Sugar Loaf Bar” on Hunter Creek Road. Reports indicate that many of the minors had been consuming large quantities of alcohol and following the crash many had fled the scene. Leaving behind an active campfire and a large amount of debris to include; empty alcohol containers. Rangel was found to have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .12%. There was an additional minor cited at the scene of the crash for Minor in Possession of Alcohol by consumption. At this time this investigation is still active and the Curry County Sheriff’s Office is seeking any information as to who might have provided the alcohol for this gathering and any other information regarding the debris left at the scene.
