SCOTTSBLUFF -- At about 9:09 p.m., Sunday, Scottsbluff Police officers responded to reports of a gray or black Nissan swerving in and out of lanes and into oncoming traffic the area of 21ST Avenue and East Overland.

The vehicle was observed turning south onto 21st Avenue, again entering oncoming lanes. Shortly after, dispatch reported the vehicle had crashed and was resting on the train tracks near 21st Avenue and South Beltline. Officers immediately requested the Communication Center contact BNSF Railway to halt train traffic in the area as they responded.

Upon arrival, a vehicle was found partially on the train tracks, and in a ditch, on the northwest side of South Beltline and 21ST Avenue intersection. At that time, a train was seen approaching from the east and appeared to be attempting to slow down.

Bystanders were directed to move to a safe distance from the area of the tracks while officers assessed the situation. The train ultimately stopped before reaching the crossing gates.

Officers initially believed BNSF train crews had been notified of the incident through their dispatch due to observing the train slowing. It was later learned, after speaking with the train crew, that they had not been alerted and were forced to make an emergency stop upon seeing the vehicle on the tracks. The train engineer and conductor confirmed they were unaware of the situation prior to their emergency stop. The engineer inspected the track and noted a scrape but determined it remained safe for travel.

This situation occurred within three and a half minutes and the Gering Communication Center had contacted BNSF Railway to notify them of the situation as officers were arriving on scene. It was found the train crew had been unaware due to the quickly escalating nature of this call and the time it takes to make proper notifications.

The driver, identified as Dionisio Velasquez-Florez, 43, was found to be operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Velasquez-Florez was also found to be driving without a valid driver’s license (no operator’s license), no proof of insurance, and expired in-transit decals. He was arrested and transported to the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center on the listed offenses.

No injuries were reported during this incident.