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LAS CRUCES - A New Mexico State University student remains in critical condition after crossing into oncoming traffic on Interstate 10, causing a tractor-trailer to flip and closing down westbound lanes of the highway Wednesday morning.
The actions of Brittany Alexandra Smith, 18, of Picacho Hills, were described as "an apparent deliberate attempt to strike the truck," said Las Cruces Police Department spokesman Dan Trujillo.
Smith was driving east at 9:15 a.m. when she crossed the median into oncoming traffic, in between the University Avenue and Avenida de Mesilla exits. An eastbound semi swerved to avoid her and rolled over, but the driver sustained no serious injuries, according to state police.
Westbound traffic was diverted to I-25 until about 3 p.m., according to police.
Smith was airlifted to University Medical Center with severe leg injuries, and remained there in critical condition late Wednesday afternoon, the hospital confirmed.
New Mexico State Police, which took over the crash investigation Wednesday afternoon, did not have any additional information on the circumstances or parties involved, pending the conclusion of their inquiries.
Smith graduated in 2010 from Mayfield High School, according to Las Cruces Public Schools. She could face criminal charges in the crash.
Ashley Meeks can be reached at (575) 541-5400.
