Vehicle crashes into popular Farley's restaurant in Ruidoso

New Mexico State Police said they are investigating how a car ended up 20 feet inside a popular Ruidoso restaurant Friday night.

At about 7 p.m. an employee at Farley's restaurant called 911 after a vehicle crashed through the front windows of the building on Mechem Drive.

Emergency responders, the Ruidoso Police Department, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department and New Mexico State Police arrived on scene where the vehicle had stopped in the dining area of the crowded establishment.

Tammy Lynn Ford, 58, of Clovis, sustained fatal injuries and she was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of Medical Investigator.

“The initial investigation indicated a 2002 Honda, driven by a 70-year-old female of Ruidoso, New Mexico was attempting to leave the parking lot of the Farley's Restaurant located at 1200 Mechem Drive in Ruidoso. For reasons still under investigation the Honda accelerated and drove forward into the restaurant where it struck three patrons who were inside," New Mexico State Police spokesman Dusty Francisco said.

A 58-year-old man sustained injuries believed to be life-threatening and he was airlifted to a hospital.

A third person struck by the Honda, a 75-year-old female, sustained injuries believed to be non-life threatening. She was transported to a local hospital. 

The driver of the Honda was uninjured in the crash. 

Francisco further said that alcohol was not a factor in the crash and seat belts appear to have not been properly used.

The identity of the driver of the Honda was not released; State Police said no charges were filed against the driver.

New Mexico State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit assisted in the investigation. This crash is still under investigation. 

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Kelly Johnson, assistant public information officer and spokesperson for the Village of Ruidoso, did not comment, saying: "I don't have any new information from the state. There's obviously a lot of rumors on Facebook, but nothing that we can confirm in an official capacity since it is outside our jurisdiction."

Cattle Baron Restaurants, Inc posted on their facebook page that, "we are saddened and in shock over the tragic event that occurred at our Farley’s Restaurant in Ruidoso yesterday evening. We are praying for the deceased, the injured and their families, the community and our associates, as well as the first responders who responded to the scene. We are also working closely with law enforcement as they investigate the cause of this accident and will update as appropriate."

The Hunt and Harvest and the Hidden Tap closed Saturday to honor the injured and deceased.

A Facebook post by Noisy Water Winery reads, "we will update as information becomes available and as to ways people can help those affected. We love all of you and appreciate everyone who has reached out to our team in the wake of everything.”

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Pamela L. Bonner can be reached at 575-202-5555, 575-257-4102, Pbonner@Ruidosonews.com, @PamelaLBonner1 on Twitter and @Pam Bonner on Facebook.