Leaking Oil Pan Leads To Hit And Run Arrest

By John Larson

SOCORRO – A hit and run suspect was arrested after a Socorro police officer was led to his location because of a leaking oil pan.
In the criminal complaint filed with Magistrate Court May 12, Matthew B. Higgins, 23, of Socorro, was charged with three misdemeanors, including Aggravated Driving Under the Influence, Accident Involving Damage to Vehicle, and Careless Driving; and petty misdemeanors Failure to Stop Upon Striking Unattended Vehicle, and Failure to Give Immediate Notice of Accident.
The report said that homeowner Roberto Rincones told Officer John Hiebert that someone had hit his parked car in his driveway from the rear, pushing it into a ditch near his house on Mary Street.
Evidence at the scene indicated that the suspect vehicle began leaking oil due to the crash, and that a trial of motor oil was leading away from the scene.
Officers followed the oil trail to a residence on Sean Street, a few blocks away. Higgins, who appeared to officers as highly intoxicated, identified himself as the owner of the residence.
According to the criminal complaint, Higgins failed a field sobriety test, and two breath samples showed .18 and .20 blood alcohol content.
Higgins pleaded not guilty in Magistrate Court Wednesday, May 13, and waived arraignment.

Leaking Oil Pan Leads To Hit And Run Arrest