Extracted text — 65_HS1-834228961_62-HQ-83894_Serial_438

0062 83894 Vol. 1 438-Only
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Sub
Vol.
Serial #
0062 83894
1
438
ONLY
8/11/1274161
Declassification authority derived
from FBI Automatic Declassification
RRP003IXG3
Guide, issued May 24, 2007.
OF
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FEDERALLY OF MASSACHUSETTS
FEDÉRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
In Reply, Please Refer to
Albuquerque, New Mexico
File No.
May 8, 1964
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
SOCORRO, NEW MEXICO
APRIL 24, 1964
Special Agent D. Arthur Byrnes, Jr., Federal
Bureau of Investigation, stationed at Albuquerque, New
Mexico, was at Socorro, New Mexico, and at the State
Police Office there on business late afternoon of
April 24, 1964.
At approximately 5:45 to 5:50 P. M., Nep Lopez,
radio operator in the Socorro County Sheriff's Office,
located about thirty feet down the hall from the State
Police Office, came into the State Police Office.
Mr. Lopez advised M. S. Chavez, New Mexico State
Police, that he had just received a radio call from Officer
Lonnie Zamora to come to an area about one mile southwest
of Socorro. The call was in relation to some unknown
object which "landed and has taken off." Agent Byrnes
finished his work in the State Police Office at Socorro
at approximately 6:00 P. M., April 24, 1964, and there-
after proceeded to the site where Officer Zamora,
Socorro County Undersheriff Jim Luckie, Sergeant M. S.
Chavez, and Officer Ted Jordan, New Mexico State Police,
were assembled.
It may be noted that it has been the observation
of Agent Byrnes that Officer Zamora, known intimately for
approximately five years, is well regarded as a sober,
industrious, and conscientious officer and not given
to fantasy.
Officer Zamora was noted to be perfectly sober
and somewhat agitated over his experience.
Special Agent Byrnes noted four indentations
in the rough ground at the "site" of the object described
This document contains neither recommendations
of the FBI, and is a loan to your agency; it and/or
aer conclusions of any kind. it is the property
agency. its contents are not to be distributed outside your
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
by Officer Zamora. These depressions appeared regular
in shape, approximately sixteen by six inches rectangular.
Each depression seemed to have been made by an object
going into the earth at an angle from a center line. Each
depression was approximately two inches deep and pushed
some earth to the far side.
Inside the four depressions were three burned
patches of clumps of grass. Other clumps of grass in the
same area appeared not to be disturbed. One burned area
was outside the four depressions.
There were three circular marks in the earth
which were smooth, approximately four inches in diameter
and penetrated in the sandy earth approximately one-eighth
of an inch as if a jar lid had gently been pushed into
the sand.
No other person was noted in the area the night
of April 24, 1964. No other objects were noted in the
area possibly connected with the incident related by
Officer Zamora.
So far as could be noted, there were no houses
or inhabited dwellings in the area or in sight of the area.
-2-
SERVICE
OF
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
OF
Albuquerque, New Mexico
In Reply, Please Refer to
File No.
May 8, 1964
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
SOCORRO, NEW MEXICO
APRIL 24, 1964
Special Agent D. Arthur Byrnes, Jr., Federal
Bureau of Investigation, stationed at Albuquerque, New
Mexico, was at Socorro, New Mexico, and at the State
Police Office there on business late afternoon of
April 24, 1964.
At approximately 5:45 to 5:50 P. M., Nep Lopez,
radio operator in the Socorro County Sheriff's Office,
located about thirty feet down the hall from the State
Police Office, came into the State Police Office.
Mr. Lopez advised M. S. Chavez, New Mexico State
Police, that he had just received a radio call from Officer
Lonnie Zamora to come to an area about one mile southwest
of Socorro. The call was in relation to some unknown
object which "landed and has taken off." Agent Byrnes
finished his work in the State Police Office at Socorro
at approximately 6:00 P. M., April 24, 1964, and there-
after proceeded to the site where Officer Zamora,
Socorro County Undersheriff Jim Luckie, Sergeant M. S.
Chavez, and Officer Ted Jordan, New Mexico State Police,
were assembled.
It may be noted that it has been the observation
of Agent Byrnes that Officer Zamora, known intimately for
approximately five years, is well regarded as a sober,
industrious, and conscientious officer and not given
to fantasy.
Officer Zamora was noted to be perfectly sober
and somewhat agitated over his experience.
Special Agent Byrnes noted four indentations
in the rough ground at the "site" of the object described
This document contains neither recommendations
nor conclusions of any kind. it is the property
of the FBI, and is a toan to your agency; it and/or
its contants are not to be distributed outside your
agency.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
by Officer Zamora. These depressions appeared regular
in shape, approximately sixteen by six inches rectangular.
Each depression seemed to have been made by an object
going into the earth at an angle from a center line. Each
depression was approximately two inches deep and pushed
some earth to the far side.
Inside the four depressions were three burned
patches of clumps of grass. Other clumps of grass in the
same area appeared not to be disturbed. One burned area
was outside the four depressions.
There were three circular marks in the earth
which were smooth, approximately four inches in diameter
and penetrated in the sandy earth approximately one-eighth
of an inch as if a jar lid had gently been pushed into
the sand.
No other person was noted in the area the night
of April 24, 1964. No other objects were noted in the
area possibly connected with the incident related by
Officer Zamora.
So far as could be noted, there were no houses
or inhabited dwellings in the area or in sight of the area.
-2-
OF JUSTER OF
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
HEDERAL OF
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Albuquerque, New Mexico
In Reply, Please Refer to
File No.
May 8, 1964
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
SOCORRO, NEW MEXICO
APRIL 24, 1964
Special Agent D. Arthur Byrnes, Jr., Federal
Bureau of Investigation, stationed at Albuquerque, New
Mexico, was at Socorro, New Mexico, and at the State
Police Office there on business late afternoon of
April 24, 1964.
At approximately 5:45 to 5:50 P. M., Nep Lopez,
radio operator in the Socorro County Sheriff's Office,
located about thirty feet down the hall from the State
Police Office, came into the State Police Office.
Mr. Lopez advised M. S. Chavez, New Mexico State
Police, that he had just received a radio call from Officer
Lonnie Zamora to come to an area about one mile southwest
of Socorro. The call was in relation to some unknown
object which "landed and has taken off." Agent Byrnes
finished his work in the State Police Office at Socorro
at approximately 6:00 P. M., April 24, 1964, and there-
after proceeded to the site where Officer Zamora,
Socorro County Undersheriff Jim Luckie, Sergeant M. S.
Chavez, and Officer Ted Jordan, New Mexico State Police,
were assembled.
It may be noted that it has been the observation
of Agent Byrnes that Officer Zamora, known intimately for
approximately five years, 1b well regarded as a sober,
industrious, and conscientious officer and not given
to fantasy.
Officer Zamora was noted to be perfectly sober
and somewhat agitated over his experience.
Special Agent Byrnes noted four indentations
in the rough ground at the "site" of the object described
This document contains neither recommendations
of the FBI, and is a loan to your.agency; it and/or
nor conclusions of any kind. # is the property
agency. its contents are not to be distributed outside your
UNDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
by Officer Zamora. These depressions appeared regular
in shape, approximately sixteen by six inches rectangular.
Each depression seemed to have been made by an object
going into the earth at an angle from a center line. Each
depression was approximately two inches deep and pushed
some earth to the far side.
Inside the four depressions were three burned
patches of clumps of grass. Other clumps of grass in the
same area appeared not to be disturbed. One burned area
was outside the four depressions.
There were three circular marks in the earth
which were smooth, approximately four inches in diameter
and penetrated in the sandy earth approximately one-eighth
of an inch as if a jar lid had gently been pushed into
the sand.
No other person was noted in the area the night
of April 24, 1964. No other objects were noted in the
area possibly connected with the incident related by
Officer Zamora.
Eo far as could be noted, there were no houses
or inhabited dwellings in the area or in sight of the area.
OF
in
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FEDERALLY BUREAU OF
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Albuquerque, New Mexico
In Reply, Please Refer to
May 8, 1964
File No.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
SOCORRO, NEW MEXICO
APRIL 24, 1964
The following data were obtained from Officer
Lonnie Zamora, Police Department, Socorro, New Mexico,
the night of April 24, 1964, and early morning, April 25,
1964, as related by Officer Zamora.
Lonnie Zamora, 606 Reservoir Street, Socorro,
New Mexico, 835-1134, Officer Socorro Police Department
about five years, office phone 835-0941, now on 2:00 P. M.
to 10:00 P. M. shift.
About 5:45 P. M., April 24, 1964, while in
Socorro 2 Police Car (1964 Pontiac white) started to chase
a car due south from west side of Courthouse. Car was
apparently speeding, and was about three blocks in front.
At point on Old Rodeo Street, (extension of Park Street
south), near George Morillo residence (about one-half mile
south of Spring Street). The chased car was going straight
ahead toward rodeo grounds. Car chased was a new black
Chevrolet, (it might have been Floyd Reynolds' boy, Vivian,
about 17). Chased car still about three blocks ahead.
This document contains neither recommendations
nor conclusions of any kind. it is the property
of the FBI, and is a loan to your agency; it and/or
agency. its contents are not to be distributed outside your
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Lonnie alone.
At this time heard a roar and saw a flame in the
sky to the southwest some distance away--possibly a half
mile or a mile. Came to mind that a dynamite shack in that
area had blown up. Decided to abandon the chase, and to
check on the flame. The flame was bluish and sort of orange
too. Could not tell size of flame. Sort of motionless
flame, slowly descending. Was still driving the police car
and could not pay too much attention to the flame. It was
a narrow type of flame. It was like a "stream down"-- a
funnel type--narrower at top than at bottom. Flame possibly
three degrees or so in width--not wide. The flame was
possibly a mile south of Socorro, in isolated area.
The flame about twice as wide at bottom as top,
and about four times as high as top was wide. Did not
notice any object at top, did not note if top of flame was
level. Sun was to west and did not help vision. Had green
sun glasses over prescription glasses.
A
Could not
see bottom of flame because it was behind the hill.
No smoke noted. Noted some "commotion" at bottom--
dust? Possibly from windy day--wind was blowing hard. Clear
sunny sky otherwise--just a few clouds scattered over area.
-2-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Noise was a roar, not a blast. Not like a jet.
Changed from high frequency to low frequency and then
stopped. Roar lasted possibly ten seconds--was going towards
it at that time on the rough gravel road. Saw flame about
as long as heard the sound. Flame same color as best as
recall. Sound distinctly from high to low until it disappeared.
Both car windows were down. No other spectators noted--no
traffic except the car in front--and car in front might have
heard it but possibly did not see it because car in front
was too close to hill in front, to see the flame.
After the roar and flame, did not note anything,
while going up the somewhat steep rough hill toward the
flame site. Got up about half way first time, wheels started
skidding, roar still going on, had to back down and try twice
again before made the hill. Hill about sixty feet long, fairly
steep and with loose gravel and rock. While beginning third
time, noise and flame not noted.
After got to top, traveled slowly on the gravel
road westwardly. Noted nothing for awhile, for possibly
ten or fifteen seconds, went slow, looking around for the
dynamite shack--did not recall exactly where the dynamite
shack was.
-3-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Suddenly noted a shiny type object to south
about 150 to 200 yards. It was off the road. At first
glance, stopped. It looked, at first, like a car turned
upside down. Thought some kids might have turned over.
Saw two people in white coveralls very close to the object.
One of these persons seemed to turn and look straight at
my car and seemed startled--seemed to quickly jump somewhat.
When I first saw the object, (when I thought it
might be a car), I saw what appeared to be two legs of
some type from the object to the ground. At the time, I
didn't pay much attention to what it was--I thought it was
an accident--I saw the two persons. I didn't pay attention
to the two "legs?". The two "legs" were at the bottom
of the object, slanted outwards to the ground. The object
might have been about thee and a half feet from the ground
at that time. I just glanced at it.
At this time I started moving my car towards them
quickly, with idea to help. Had stopped about only a
couple seconds. Object was like aluminum--it was whitish
against the mesa background, but not chrome. Seemed like
O
in shape and I at first glance took it to be an
overturned white car. Car appeared turned up like standing
-4-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
on radiator or on trunk, at this first glance.
The only time I saw these two persons was when I
had stopped, for possibly two seconds or so, to glance at
the object. I don't recall noting any particular shape
or possibly any hats or headgear. These persons appeared
normal in shape--but possibly they were small adults or
large kids.
Then paid attention to road while drove towards scene.
Radioed to sheriff's office, "Socorro 2 to Socorro, possible
10-44 (accident); I'll be 10-6 (busy) out of the car checking
the car down in the arroyo."
Stopped car, was still talking on radio, started
to get out, mike fell down, reached back to put up mike,
then replaced radio mike in slot, got out of car and turned
to go down to where knew the object (car) was.
As my mike fell, I got out of car, at scene area,
I heard about two or three loud "thumps," like someone
possibly hammering or shutting a door or doors hard. These
"thumps" were possibly a second or less apart. This was
just before the roar. The persons were not seen when I got
up to the scene area.
-5-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Hardly turned around from car when heard roar,
(was not exactly a blast), very loud roar--at that close
was real loud. Not like a jet--knows what jets sound like.
Started low frequency quickly, then roar rose in frequency
(higher tone) and in loudness--from loud to very loud. At
same time as roar saw flame. Flame was under the object.
Object was starting to go straight up--slowly up. Object
slowly rose straight up. Flame was light blue and at bottom
was sort of orange color. From this angle, saw what might
be the side of object (not end, as first noted). Difficult
to describe flame. Thought, from roar, it might blow up.
Flame might have come from underside of object, at middle,
possibly a four feet area--very rough guess. Can not
describe flame further except blue and orange. No smoke,
except dust in immediate area.
As soon as saw flame and heard roar, turned away,
ran away from object but did turn head several times towards
object. Bumped leg on car-back fender area. Car facing
southwest. Glasses fell to ground, left them there. Ran
to north--car between him and object.
Object was
in shape. It was smooth--no
windows or doors. As roar started, it was still on or near
ground. Noted red lettering of some type, like
.
-6-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Insignia was about two and one-half feet high and about
two feet wide, guess. Was in middle of object, like
D
.
Object still like aluminum-white.
After fell by car and glasses fell off, kept
running to north with car between me and object. Glanced
back couple of times. Noted object to rise to about level
of car, about twenty to twenty-five feet, guess--took I
guess about six seconds when object started to rise and I
glanced back. I ran I guess about half way to where I
ducked down-about fifty feet from the car is where I ducked
down, just over edge of hill. I guess I had run about
twenty-five feet when I glanced back and saw the object about
level with the car and it appeared about directly over the
place where it rose from.
I was still running and I jumped just over the
hill--I stopped because I did not hear the roar. I was
scared of the roar, and I had planned to continue running
down the hill. I turned around toward the object and at
same time put my head towards ground, covering my face with
my arms. Being that there was no roar, I looked up, and I
saw the object going away from me, in a southwest direction.
When the roar stopped, heard a sharp tone whine from high
tone to low tone. At end of roar was this whine and the
-7-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
whine lasted maybe a second. Then there was complete
silence about the object. That's when I lifted up my head
and saw the object going away from me. It did not come
any closer to me. It appeared to go in a straight line
and at same height--possibly ten to fifteen feet from ground,
and it cleared the dynamite shack by about three feet. Shack
about eight feet high. Object was traveling very fast. It
seemed to rise up and take off immediately across country.
I ran back to my car and as I ran back, I kept an eye on the
object. I picked up my glasses, (I left the sunglasses on
the ground), got into the car, and radioed to Nep Lopez,
radio operator, to "look out the window, to see if you could
see an object." He asked, "What is it?" I answered, "It
looks like a balloon." I don't know if he saw it. If Nep
looked out his window, which faces north, he couldn't have
seen it. I did not tell him at the moment which window to
look out of.
As I was calling Nep, I could still see the object.
The object seemed to lift up slowly, and to "get small" in
the distance very fast. It seemed to just clear the Box
Canyon or Six Mile Canyon Mountain. It disappeared as it
-8-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
went over the mountain. It had no flame whatsoever as it
was traveling over the ground, and no smoke or noise.
Can't tell how long saw object second time (the
"close" time), possibly twenty seconds--just a guess--from
time got out of car, glanced at object, ran from object,
jumped over edge of hill, then got back to car and radioed
as object disappeared.
Just before Sergeant Chavez got to scene, I got
my pen and drew a picture of the insignia on the object.
Feeling in good health. Last drink--two or three
beers--was over a month ago. Noted no odors. Noted no
sounds other than described. Gave directions to Nep Lopez
at radio and to Sergeant M. S. Chavez to get there. Went
down to where the object had been and I noted the brush was
burning in several places. At that time, I heard Sergeant
Chaves, (New Mexico State Police at Socorro), calling me
on radio for my location, and I returned to my car, told
him he was "looking at me." Then Sergeant Chavez came up,
asked me what the trouble was, because I was sweating and
he told me I was white, very pale. I asked the Sergeant
to see what I saw, and that was the burning brush. Then
-9-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Sergeant Chavez and I went to the spot, and Sergeant
Chavez pointed out the tracks.
-10-
OF
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Albuquerque, New Mexico
In Reply, Please Refer to
May 8, 1964
File No.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
SOCORRO, NEW MEXICO
APRIL 24, 1964
The following data were obtained from Officer
Lonnie Zamora, Police Department, Socorro, New Mexico,
the night of April 24, 1964, and early morning, April 25,
1964, as related by Officer Zamora.
Lonnie Zamora, 606 Reservoir Street, Socorro,
New Mexico, 835-1134, Officer Socorro Police Department
about five years, office phone 835-0941, now on 2:00 P. M.
to 10:00 P. M. shift.
About 5:45 P. M., April 24, 1964, while in
Socorro 2 Police Car (1964 Pontiac white) started to chase
a car due south from west side of Courthouse. Car was
apparently speeding, and was about three blocks in front.
At point on Old Rodeo Street, (extension of Park Street
south), near George Morillo residence (about one-half mile
south of Spring Street). The chased car was going straight
ahead toward rodeo grounds. Car chased was a now black
Chevrolet, (it might have been Floyd Reynolds' boy, Vivian,
about 17). Chased car still about three blocks ahead.
This document contains neither recommendations
nor conclusions of any kind. it is the property
of the FBI, and is a loan to your agency: it and/or
its contents are not to be distributed outside your
agency.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Lonnie alone.
At this time heard a roar and saw a flame in the
sky to the southwest somo distance away--possibly a half
mile or a mile. Came to mind that a dynamite shack in that
area had blown up. Decided to abandon the chase, and to
check on the flame. The flame was bluish and sort of orange
too. Could not tell size of flame. Sort of motionless
flame, slowly descending. Was still driving the police car
and could not pay too much attention to the flame. It was
a narrow type of flame. It was like a "stream down"-- a
funnel type--narrower at top than at bottom. Flame possibly
three degrees or SQ in width-not wide. The flame was
possibly a mile south of Socorro, in isolated area.
The flame about twice as wide at bottom as top,
and about four times as high as top was wide. Did not
notice any object at top, did not note if top of flame was
level. Sun was to west and did not help vision. Had green
sun glasses over prescription glasses.
Could not
see bottom of flame because it was behind the hill.
No smoke notod. Noted some "commotion" at bottom--
dust? Possibly from windy day-wind was blowing hard. Clear
sunny sky otherwise--just a few clouds scattered over area.
-2-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Noise was a roar, not a blast. Not like a jet.
Changed from high frequency to low frequency and then
stopped. Roar lasted possibly ten seconds--was going towards
it at that time on the rough gravel road. Saw flame about
as long as heard the sound. Flame same color as best an
recall. Sound distinctly from high to low until it disappeared.
Both car windows were down. No other spectators noted--no
traffic except the car in front--and car in front might have
heard it but possibly did not see it because car in front
was too close to hill in front, to see the flame.
After the roar and flame, did not note anything,
while going up the somewhat steep rough hill toward the
flame site. Got up about half way first time, wheels started
skidding, roar still going on, had to back down and try twice
again before made the hill. Hill about sixty feet long, fairly
steep and with loose gravel and rock. While beginning third
time, noise and flame not noted.
After got to top, traveled slowly on the arawl
road westwardly. Noted nothing for awhile, for possibly
ten or fifteen seconds, went slow, looking around for the
dynamite shack--did not recall exactly where the dynmite
shack was.
&
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Suddenly noted a shiny type object to south
about 150 to 200 yards. It was off the road. At first
glance, stopped. It looked, at first, like a car turned
upside down. Thought some kids might have turned over.
Saw two people in white coveralls very close to the object.
One of these persons seemed to turn and look straight at
my car and seemed startled--seemed to quickly jump somewhat.
When I first saw the object, (when I thought it
might be a car), I saw what appeared to be two legs of
some type from the object to the ground. At the time, I
didn't pay much attention to what it was--I thought it was
an accident--I saw the two persons. I didn't pay attention
to the two "legs?". The two "lags" were at the bottom
of the object, slanted outwards to the ground. The object
might have been about thee and a half feet from the ground
at that time. I just glanced at it.
At this time I started moving my car towards them
quickly, with idea to help. Had stopped about only a
couple seconds. Object was like aluminum--it was whitish
against the mesa background, but not chrome. Seemed like
Q
in shape and I at first glance took it to be an
overturned white car. Car appeared turned up like standing
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
on radiator or on trunk, at this first glance.
The only time I S&W these two persons was when I
had stopped, for possibly two seconds or so, to glance at
the object. I don't recall noting any particular shape
or possibly any hats or headgear. These persons appeared
normal in shape-but possibly they were small adults or
large kids.
Then paid attention to road while drove towards scone.
Radiood to sheriff's office, "Socorro 2 to Socorro, possible
10-44 (accident); I'll be 10-6 (busy) out of the car checking
the car down in the arroyo."
Stopped car, was still talking on radio, started
to get out, mike fell down, reached back to put up mike,
then replaced radio miles in slot, got out of car and turned
to go down to where knew the object (car) was.
AB my mike fell, I got out of car, at scone area,
I heard about two or three loud "thmps," like someone
possibly hammoring or shutting a door or doors hard. These
"thumps" were possibly a second or less apart. This was
just before the roar. The persons were not seen when I got
up to the scene area.
-5-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Hardly turned around from car when heard roar,
(was not exactly a blast), very loud roar-at that close
was real loud. Not like a jet-Imows what jets sound like.
Started low frequency quickly, then roar rose in frequency
(higher tone) and in loudness--from loud to very loud. At
same time as roar saw flame. Flame was under the object.
Object was starting to go straight up--slowly up. Object
slowly rose straight up. Flame was light blue and at bottom
was sort of orange color. From this angle, saw what might
be the side of object (not end, as first noted). Difficult
to describe flame. Thought, from roar, it might blow up.
Flame might have come from underside of object, at middle,
possibly a four feet area-very rough guess. Can not
describe flame further except blue and orange. No smoke,
except dust in immediate area.
As soon as saw flame and heard roar, turned away,
ran away from object but did turn head several times towards
object. Bumped leg on car-back fender area. Car facing
southwest. Glasses fell to ground, left them there. Ran
to north--car between him and object.
Object was
in shape. It was smooth--no
windows or doors. As roar started, it was still on or near
ground. Noted red lettering of some type, like
A
.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Insignia was about two and one-half feet high and about
two feet wide, guess. Was in middle of object, like
*
Object still like aluminum-white.
After fell by car and glasses fell off, kept
running to north with car between me and object. Glanced
back couple of times. Noted object to rise to about level
of car, about twenty to twenty-five feet, guess-took I
guess about six seconds when object started to rise and I
glanced back. I ran I guess about half way to where I
ducked down-about fifty feet from the car is where I ducked
down, just over edge of hill. I guess I had run about
twenty-five feet when I glanced back and saw the object about
level with the car and it appeared about directly over the
place where it rose from.
I was still running and I jumped just over the
hill--I stopped because I did not hear the roar. I was
scared of the roar, and I had planned to continue running
down the hill. I turned around toward the object and at
same time put my head towards ground, covering my face with
my arms. Being that there was no roar, I looked up, and I
saw the object going away from me, in a southwest direction.
When the roar stopped, heard a sharp tone whine from high
tone to low tone. At end of roar was this whine and the
-7-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
whine lasted maybe a second. Then there was complete
silence about the object. That's when I lifted up my head
and saw the object going away from me. It did not come
any closer to no. It appeared to go in a straight line
and at same height--possibly ten to fifteen feet from ground,
and it cleared the dynamite shack by about three feet. Shack
about eight feet high. Object was traveling very fast. It
seemed to rise up and take off immediately across country.
I ran back to my car and as I ran back, I kept an eye on the
object. I picked up my glasses, (I left the sunglasses on
the ground), got into the car, and radioed to Nep Lopez,
radio operator, to "look out the window, to see if you could
see an object." Be asked, "What is it?" I answered, "It
looks like a balloon." I don't know if he saw it. If Nep
looked out his window, which faces north, be couldn't have
seen it. I did not tell him at the moment which window to
look out of.
An I was calling Nep, I could still see the object.
The object seemed to lift up slowly, and to "get small" in
the distance very fast. It seemed to just clear the Box
Canyon or Six Mile Canyon Mountain. It disappeared as it
&
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
went over the mountain. It had no flame whatsoever as it
was traveling over the ground, and no smoke or noise.
Can't tell how long saw object second time (the
"close" time), possibly twenty seconds--just a guess-from
time got out of car, glanced at object, ran from object,
jumped over edge of hill, then got back to car and radioed
as object disappeared.
Just before Sergeant Chavez got to scene, I got
my pan and drew a picture of the insignia on the object.
Feeling in good health. Last drink--two or three
beers-vas over a month ago. Noted no odore. Noted no
sounds other than described. Gave directions to Nep Lopez
at radio and to Sergeant M. S. Chavez to get there. Went
down to where the object had been and I noted the brush was
burning in several places. At that time, I heard Sergeant
Chaves, (New Mexico State Police at Socorro), calling me
on radio for my location, and I returned to my car, told
him he was "looking at me." Then Sergeant Chavez came up,
asked me what the trouble was, because I was sweating and
he told me I was white, very pale. I asked the Sergeant
to see what I saw, and that was the burning brush. Then
-9-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Sergeant Chaves and I went to the spot, and Sergeant
Chavez pointed out the tracks.
-10->
THE
OF JUSTEE OF
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
OF
Albuquerque, New Mexico
In Reply, Please Refer to
May 8, 1964
File No.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
SOCORRO, NEW MEXICO
APRIL 24, 1964
The following data were obtained from Officer
Lonnie Zamora, Police Department, Socorro, New Mexico,
the night of April 24, 1964, and early morning, April 25,
1964, as related by Officer Zamora.
Lonnie Zamora, 606 Reservoir Street, Socorro,
New Mexico, 835-1134, Officer Socorro Police Department
about five years, office phone 835-0941, now on 2:00 P. M.
to 10:00 P. M. shift.
About 5:45 P. M., April 24, 1964, while in
Socorro 2 Police Car (1964 Pontiac white) started to chase
a car due south from west side of Courthouse. Car was
apparently speeding, and was about three blocks in front.
At point on Old Rodeo Street, (extension of Park Street
south), near George Morillo residence (about one-half mile
south of Spring Street). The chased car was going straight
ahead toward rodeo grounds. Car chased was a new black
Chevrolet, (it might have been Floyd Reynolds' boy, Vivian,
about 17). Chased car still about three blocks ahead.
This document contains neither recommendations
nor conclusions of any kind. it is the property
of the FBI, and is a loan to your agency: it and/or
its contents are not to be distributed outside your
agency.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Lonnie alone.
At this time heard a roar and saw a flame in the
sky to the southwest some distance away-possibly a half
mile or a mile. Came to mind that a dynamite shack in that
area had blown up. Decided to abandon the chase, and to
check on the flame. The flame was bluish and sort of orange
too. Could not tell size of flame. Bort of motionless
flame, slowly descending. Was still driving the police car
and could not pay too much attention to the flame. It was
a narrow type of flame. It was like a "stream down"--- a
funnel type--narrower at top than at bottom. Flame possibly
three degrees or so in width-not wide. The flame was
possibly a mile south of Socorro, in isolated area.
The flame about twice as wide at bottom as top,
and about four times as high as top was wide. Did not
notice any object at top, did not note if top of flame was
level. Sun was to west and did not help vision. Had green
sun glasses over prescription glasses.
Could not
/]
see bottom of flame because it was behind the hill.
No smoke noted. Noted some "commotion" at bottom---
dust? Possibly from windy day-wind was blowing hard. Clear
sunny sky otherwise--just a few clouds scattered over area.
-2-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Noise was a roar, not a blast. Not like a jet.
Changed from high frequency to low frequency and then
stopped. Roar lasted possibly ten seconds--vas going towards
it at that time on the rough gravel road. Baw flame about
as long as heard the sound. Flame same color as best as
recall. Sound distinctly from high to Low until it disappeared.
Both car windows were down. No other spectators noted--no
traffic except the car in front--and car in front might have
heard it but possibly did not see it because car in front
was too close to hill in front, to see the flame.
After the roar and flame, did not note anything,
while going up the somewhat steep rough hill toward the
flame site. Got up about half way first time, wheels started
skidding, roar still going on, had to back down and try twice
again before made the hill. Hill about sixty feet long, fairly
steep and with loose gravel and rock. While beginning third
time, noise and flame not noted.
After got to top, traveled slowly on the gravel
road westwardly. Noted nothing for awhile, for possibly
ten or fifteen seconds, went slow, looking around for the
dynamite shack--did not recall exactly where the dynamite
shack was.
-3-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Suddenly noted a shiny type object to south
about 150 to 200 yards. It was off the road. At first
glance, stopped. It looked, at first, like a car turned
upside down. Thought some kids might have turned over.
Saw two people in white coveralls very close to the object.
One of these persons seemed to turn and look straight at
my car and seemed startled--seemed to quickly jump somewhat.
When I first saw the object, (when I thought it
might be a car), I saw what appeared to be two legs of
some type from the object to the ground. At the time, I
didn't pay much attention to what it was--I thought it was
an accident--I saw the two persons. I didn't pay attention
to the two "legs?". The two "legs" were at the bottom
of the object, slanted outwards to the ground. The object
might have been about thee and a half feet from the ground
at that time. I just glanced at it.
At this time I started moving my car towards them
quickly, with idea to help. Had stopped about only a
couple seconds. Object was like aluminum--it was whitish
against the mesa background, but not chrome. Seemed like
Q
in shape and I at first glance took it to be an
overturned white car. Car appeared turned up like standing
4-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
on radiator or on trunk, at this first glance.
The only time I saw these two persons was when I
had stopped, for possibly two seconds or so, to glance at
the object. I don't recall noting any particular shape
or possibly any hats or headgear. These persons appeared
normal in shape--but possibly they were small adults or
large kids.
Then paid attention to road while drove towards scene.
Radioed to sheriff's office, "Socorro 2 to Socorro, possible
10-44 (accident); I'll be 10-6 (busy) out of the car checking
the car down in the arroyo."
Stopped car, was still talking on radio, started
to got out, mike fell down, reached back to put up mike,
then replaced radio miles in slot, got out of car and turned
to go down to where knew the object (car) was.
AB my mike fell, I got out of car, at scene area,
I heard about two or three loud "thumps," like someone
possibly hammering or shutting a door or doors hard. These
"thumps" were possibly a second or less apart. This was
just before the roar. The persons were not seen when I got
up to the scene area.
-5-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Hardly turned around from car when heard roar,
(was not exactly a blast), very loud roar-at that close
was real loud. Not like a jet-knows what jets sound like.
Started low frequency quickly, then roar rose in frequency
(higher tone) and in loudness-from loud to very loud. At
same time as roar saw flame. Flame was under the object.
Object was starting to go straight up-slowly up. Object
slowly rose straight up. Flame was light blue and at bottom
was sort of orange color. From this angle, saw what might
be the side of object (not end, as first noted). Difficult
to describe flame. Thought, from roar, it might blow up.
Flame might have come from underside of object, at middle,
possibly a four feet area-very rough guess. Can not
describe flame further except blue and orange. No smoke,
except dust in immediate area.
As soon as saw flame and heard roar, turned away,
ran away from object but did turn head several times towards
object. Bumped leg on car-back fender area. Car facing
southwest. Glasses fell to ground, left them there. Ran
to north-car between him and object.
Object was
in shape. It was smooth-no
windows or doors. As roar started, it was still on or near
ground. Noted red lettering of some type, like
1
-6-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Insignia was about two and one-half feet high and about
two feet wide, guess. Was in middle of object, like
4
Object still like aluminum-white.
After fell by car and glasses fell off, kept
running to north with car between me and object. Glanced
back couple of times. Noted object to rise to about level
of car, about twenty to twenty-five feet, guess--took I
guess about six seconds when object started to rise and I
glanced back. I ran I guess about half way to where I
ducked down-about fifty feet from the car is where X ducked
down, just over edge of hill. I guess I had run about
twenty-five feet when I glanced back and saw the object about
level with the car and it appeared about directly over the
place where it rose from.
I was still running and I jumped just over the
hill--I stopped because I did not hear the roar. I was
scared of the roar, and I had planned to continue running
down the hill. I turned around toward the object and at
same time put my head towards ground, covering my face with
my arms. Being that there was no roar, I looked up, and I
saw the object going away from me, in a southwest direction.
When the roar stopped, heard a sharp tone whine from high
tone to low tone. At end of roar was this whine and the
-7-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
whine lasted maybe a second. Then there was complete
silence about the object. That's when I lifted up my head
and Baw the object going away from me. It did not come
any closer to me. It appeared to go in a straight line
and at same height--possibly ten to fifteen feet from ground,
and it cleared the dynamite shack by about three feet. Shack
about eight feet high. Object was traveling very fast. It
seemed to rise up and take off immediately across country.
I ran back to my car and as I ran back, I kept an eye on the
object. I picked up my glasses, (I left the sunglasses on
the ground), got into the car, and radioed to Nep Lopez,
radio operator, to "look out the window, to see if you could
see an object." He asked, "What is 1t?" I answered, "It
looks like a balloon." I don't know if he saw it. If Nep
looked out his window, which faces north, he couldn't have
seen it. I did not tell him at the moment which wirdow to
look out of.
As I was calling Nep, I could still see the object.
The object seemed to lift up slowly, and to "get small" in
the distance very fast. It seemed to just clear the Box
Canyon or Six Mile Canyon Mountain. It disappeared as it
-8-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
went over the mountain. It had no flame whatsoever as it
was traveling over the ground, and no smoke or noise.
Can't tell how long saw object second time (the
"close" time), possibly twenty seconds--just a guess-from
time got out of car, glanced at object, ran from object,
jumped over edge of hill, then got back to car and radioed
as object disappeared.
Just before Sergeant Chavez got to scene, I got
my pen and drew a picture of the insignia on the object.
Feeling in good health. Last drink--two or three
beers--was over a month ago. Noted no odors. Noted no
sounds other than described. Gave directions to Nep Lopez
at radio and to Sergeant M. S. Chavez to get there. Went
down to where the object had been and I noted the brush was
burning in several places. At that time, I heard Sergeant
Chaves, (Now Mexico State Police at Socorro), calling me
on radio for my location, and I returned to my car, told
him he was "looking at me." Then Sergeant Chavez came up,
asked me what the trouble was, because I was sweating and
be told me I was white, very pale. I asked the Sergeant
to see what I saw, and that was the burning brush. Then
-9-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Sergeant Chavez and I went to the spot, and Sergeant
Chavez pointed out the tracks.
-10-
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