Crossover collision kills father, son, ex-police officer

How heartbreaking. I pray that the two survivors--poor, poor dears!- will somehow be okay physically and mentally. How anyone could ever be okay after going through this would have to be up to the Lord.
But maybe the "retired" cop should have been LOCKED UP back when his suspected illegal substance use made him lose his job with FPD! I am sick of hearing that people like that were free to kill others and wreck lives. Judges and prosecutors need to get on the ball and throw these adddicts into jails without keys. No mercy for them!

Obviously this loser had a problem with drinking and driving and it was just a matter of time before this lit fuse killed someone. It's a shame that another family had to suffer for his stupidity. Now his family has to pay for his ignorance.

this is such a heartbreaking accident! this is the prime accident that should move state officials to stop slapping those who are comvicted of DWI and get serious with this issue to STOP the DWI!! this practice is no longer acceptable!!

Don't let your crazy drunk spouse, drive. Refuse to get in. What about the "innocent" people in the other car?

If a drunk person wants to drive, it's difficult
to stop them. I know I've been in that situation.
Once, it lead to a confrontation where my arm was
broken.
This sick person couldn't overcome his alcoholism
and died alone, estranged from his family.

Tragic for all involved. My question is why didn't the person who noticed him driving erratically all the way from Durango call and report him to the police? Ultimately Mr. Hooper was responsible for his own actions, but we as the public that observe such are duty bound to report these things when we see them. Condolences to all the families. What a shame.

Common Sense wrote:

How heartbreaking. I pray that the two survivors--poor, poor dears!- will somehow be okay physically and mentally. How anyone could ever be okay after going through this would have to be up to the Lord.
But maybe the "retired" cop should have been LOCKED UP back when his suspected illegal substance use made him lose his job with FPD! I am sick of hearing that people like that were free to kill others and wreck lives. Judges and prosecutors need to get on the ball and throw these adddicts into jails without keys. No mercy for them!

Yes, this situation is heartbreaking. It is a horrible tragedy. I am not going to argue that. But I seriously doubt that you knew Dave Hooper personally as I did. So maybe you should stfu and stop spreading your false assumptions about a man that devoted twenty years of his life to serve and protect the citizens of Farmington. My heart goes out to both families.

Common Sense wrote:

How heartbreaking. I pray that the two survivors--poor, poor dears!- will somehow be okay physically and mentally. How anyone could ever be okay after going through this would have to be up to the Lord.
But maybe the "retired" cop should have been LOCKED UP back when his suspected illegal substance use made him lose his job with FPD! I am sick of hearing that people like that were free to kill others and wreck lives. Judges and prosecutors need to get on the ball and throw these adddicts into jails without keys. No mercy for them!

It is horrible that this happened, and I feel so bad for that family. But with all do respect, you don't know what your talking about in regards to David. He didn't lose his job with the FPD. I know the man, what has happened too him is horrible as well. There is no excuse for drinking and driving but this man also had things happen in his life that were hard and he could have used some sympathy too.

Another out of control Farmington Police officer, now out killing people. I feel for the families that have to deal with this tragedy.

Common Sense wrote:

How heartbreaking. I pray that the two survivors--poor, poor dears!- will somehow be okay physically and mentally. How anyone could ever be okay after going through this would have to be up to the Lord.
But maybe the "retired" cop should have been LOCKED UP back when his suspected illegal substance use made him lose his job with FPD! I am sick of hearing that people like that were free to kill others and wreck lives. Judges and prosecutors need to get on the ball and throw these adddicts into jails without keys. No mercy for them!

You clearly don't know Dave Hooper personally. I did. Dave was not fired from Farmington PD, he retired after 20 years serving and protecting the people of Farmington. Because of an injury suffered while on the force, he was on painkillers. Was he an addict? Yes, but you would be too if you had to take those pills to function on a daily basis.

I pray for his children, his ex wife and the family involved in the accident. Rest In Peace, Officer Hooper.

A tragedy to be sure.
I knew Dave Hooper well, the Dave from two decades ago. A finer family man, friend and officer I have never known. That Dave despised substance abuse, and rarely drank alcohol himself.
I have heard that chronic pain caused changes in Dave, a far too familiar occurrence in the world today.
My condolences to the families of all involved.

Aztec Citizen wrote:

<quoted text>
It is horrible that this happened, and I feel so bad for that family. But with all do respect, you don't know what your talking about in regards to David. He didn't lose his job with the FPD. I know the man, what has happened too him is horrible as well. There is no excuse for drinking and driving but this man also had things happen in his life that were hard and he could have used some sympathy too.

It's "with all DUE respect." You know, like respect that is DUE??? Also, you used TOO in the wrong context. TOO implies, also or many.

Jail will not stop dwi's from happening. It would only stop the addict for a certain amount of time while incarcerated. This was a cry for help and obviously it ended up a fatal accident. Jail does not help addicts. Treatment for this disease helps people get their lives back on track and living a sober healthy normal life. Its a shame Hooper's disease took innocent lives as well.

Former Aztec Resident wrote:

<quoted text>
It's "with all DUE respect." You know, like respect that is DUE??? Also, you used TOO in the wrong context. TOO implies, also or many.

You made your point spelling nazi. Now, do you have something relevant to add to this discussion as the others here do, or are you just here to correct and criticize?

Common Sense wrote:

How heartbreaking. I pray that the two survivors--poor, poor dears!- will somehow be okay physically and mentally. How anyone could ever be okay after going through this would have to be up to the Lord.
But maybe the "retired" cop should have been LOCKED UP back when his suspected illegal substance use made him lose his job with FPD! I am sick of hearing that people like that were free to kill others and wreck lives. Judges and prosecutors need to get on the ball and throw these adddicts into jails without keys. No mercy for them!

Dave was a retired officer and DID NOT lose his job at FPD because of substance abuse. If Dave was addicted to anything while employed at FPD it was Dr. Pepper. How dare you slander a fine officer who did his job and did it well. Perhaps he arrested you at some point and you are still bitter. Thoughts and prayers are with both families involved in this terrible accident.

WOW the city of Farmington has some awesome cops, im pretty sure there was a Farmington cop arrested not to long ago in Durango with his firearm and off duty. He was also drunk coming back from a party or dinner out there.

cooter j wrote:

Obviously this loser had a problem with drinking and driving and it was just a matter of time before this lit fuse killed someone. It's a shame that another family had to suffer for his stupidity. Now his family has to pay for his ignorance.

Right on..

FPD wrote:

WOW the city of Farmington has some awesome cops, im pretty sure there was a Farmington cop arrested not to long ago in Durango with his firearm and off duty. He was also drunk coming back from a party or dinner out there.

And people are just noticing this now..??

Im so happy im not from Farmington. It's sad to hear a former Farmington cop may have been the cause of this crash. FPD is the laughing joke of Durango and La Plata county cops. BTW here is the last article that invilved another Farmington Cop. Farmington New Mexico has some crroks running their police department!!!

FARMINGTON, N.M.(AP)- A Farmington police officer has been suspended without pay for an off-duty altercation where he was reportedly drunk and carrying a gun.

Farmington police Lt. Daryl Noon says 26-year-old Officer Joshua Griggs was suspended Friday following an internal investigation.

Griggs reported to his supervisors last weekend that he had been arrested in Colorado.

La Plata County, Colo., Sheriff's Lt. Ed Aber told the Farmington Daily Times that Griggs was in a vehicle driving back to New Mexico on Jan. 8 after attending a party in Durango, Colo.

The driver pulled over after Griggs and another man in the vehicle began arguing. Aber says officers found the men in an altercation alongside U.S. 550 and cited Griggs for a misdemeanor weapons violation after finding he was intoxicated and armed.

Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com

FLC Student wrote:

Im so happy im not from Farmington. It's sad to hear a former Farmington cop may have been the cause of this crash. FPD is the laughing joke of Durango and La Plata county cops. BTW here is the last article that invilved another Farmington Cop.'Farmington New Mexico has some crooks running their police department'!!!
FARMINGTON, N.M.(AP)- A Farmington police officer has been suspended without pay for an off-duty altercation where he was reportedly drunk and carrying a gun.
Farmington police Lt. Daryl Noon says 26-year-old Officer Joshua Griggs was suspended Friday following an internal investigation.
Griggs reported to his supervisors last weekend that he had been arrested in Colorado.
La Plata County, Colo., Sheriff's Lt. Ed Aber told the Farmington Daily Times that Griggs was in a vehicle driving back to New Mexico on Jan. 8 after attending a party in Durango, Colo.
The driver pulled over after Griggs and another man in the vehicle began arguing. Aber says officers found the men in an altercation alongside U.S. 550 and cited Griggs for a misdemeanor weapons violation after finding he was intoxicated and armed.
Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com

'Farmington New Mexico has some crooks running their police department!!! You must know Rob Mayes and his buddy Tommy Roberts well !