> FILE / C6006D76
This report details the investigation by Special Agent D. Arthur Byrnes, Jr. into the Socorro UAP sighting reported by Officer Lonnie Zamora. It includes witness statements, descriptions of physical landing site evidence such as burned grass and ground depressions, and diagrams of the scene. The document serves as the primary FBI record for the 1964 Socorro encounter.
> PAGES INDEXED [040]
OPEN A PAGE BELOW
> PAGE TEXT
PAGE 1
cover-page
This is a cover sheet for an FBI file, specifically identifying case number 0062 83894, volume 1, serial 438.
[HANDWRITTEN: 0062 83894 Vol. 1 438 Only] FBI - CENTRAL RECORDS CENTER HQ - HEADQUARTERS HQ-0000-86775B: HQ Class / Case # Sub Vol. Serial # 0062 83894 1 438 ONLY 8/11/1274161 [BARCODE: RRP003IXG3] [HANDWRITTEN: Declassification authority derived from FBI Automatic Declassification Guide, issued May 24, 2007.]
PAGE 2
report
This FBI report details the initial response of Special Agent D. Arthur Byrnes, Jr. to the Socorro, New Mexico UFO sighting on April 24, 1964, including his observations of Officer Lonnie Zamora and the physical site.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Albuquerque, New Mexico 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 thereafter 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 loan to your agency; it and/or its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency.
PAGE 3
report
This page describes physical evidence found at a site, including rectangular depressions, burned grass, and circular marks, as reported by Officer Zamora following an incident on April 24, 1964.
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-
PAGE 4
memo
This FBI memo details the initial investigation by Special Agent D. Arthur Byrnes, Jr. into a reported unidentified flying object landing near Socorro, New Mexico, on April 24, 1964, including observations of Officer Lonnie Zamora.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Albuquerque, New Mexico 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 loan to your agency; it and/or its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency.
PAGE 5
report
This report describes physical evidence found at a site, including rectangular depressions, burned grass patches, and circular marks, following an incident reported by Officer Zamora on April 24, 1964.
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-
PAGE 6
memo
This FBI memo details the initial report and site visit by Special Agent D. Arthur Byrnes regarding an unidentified flying object sighting by Officer Lonnie Zamora in Socorro, New Mexico, on April 24, 1964.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Albuquerque, New Mexico 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 thereafter 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 loan to your agency; it and/or its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency.
PAGE 7
report
This page describes physical evidence found at a site, including rectangular depressions, burned grass, and circular marks, following an incident reported by Officer Zamora on April 24, 1964.
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-
PAGE 8
report
This FBI report details the initial statement of Officer Lonnie Zamora regarding a high-speed chase in Socorro, New Mexico, on April 24, 1964, which preceded his encounter with an unidentified flying object.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Albuquerque, New Mexico May 8, 1964 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.
PAGE 9
report
This document is a witness statement from Lonnie describing his observation of a flame in the sky near Socorro, New Mexico.
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. [HANDWRITTEN: /\ ] 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-
PAGE 10
report
A witness account describing the observation of a roar and a flame while driving on a gravel road, followed by an attempt to drive up a steep hill to investigate the site.
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-
PAGE 11
report
A witness account describing the observation of a shiny, aluminum-like object off the road that initially appeared to be an overturned white car, accompanied by two individuals in white coveralls.
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 [HANDWRITTEN: O] in shape and I at first glance took it to be an overturned white car. Car appeared turned up like standing -4-
PAGE 12
report
This page contains a witness account of an encounter with an unidentified flying object, describing the witness's actions, radio communication with the sheriff's office, and auditory observations at the scene.
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-
PAGE 13
PAGE 14
report
A witness account describing the appearance and movement of an unidentified flying object, including the witness's reaction to the object's sound and departure.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT Insignia was about two and one-half feet high and about two feet wide, guess. Was in middle of object, like [HANDWRITTEN: A] . 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-
PAGE 15
transcript
A witness account describing the movement and disappearance of an unidentified flying object, including a radio communication with a colleague named Nep Lopez.
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-
PAGE 16
report
A witness account describing the observation of an unidentified flying object, the subsequent interaction with Sergeant Chavez, and the discovery of burning brush at the scene.
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-
PAGE 17
transcript
A brief witness statement describing Sergeant Chavez pointing out tracks at a specific location.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT Sergeant Chavez and I went to the spot, and Sergeant Chavez pointed out the tracks. -10-
PAGE 18
memo
This FBI memo details the initial statement of Officer Lonnie Zamora regarding a high-speed chase in Socorro, New Mexico, on April 24, 1964, which preceded his UAP sighting.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Albuquerque, New Mexico May 8, 1964 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.
PAGE 19
report
This document is a witness account from an individual named Lonnie describing the observation of a flame in the sky near Socorro, New Mexico.
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. [HANDWRITTEN: /\ ] 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-
PAGE 20
report
A witness account describing the observation of a roar and a flame while driving on a gravel road, followed by an attempt to drive up a steep hill to investigate the site.
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-
PAGE 21
transcript
A witness account describing the observation of a shiny, aluminum-like object and two individuals in white coveralls near a road, initially mistaken for an overturned car.
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 those 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 [HANDWRITTEN: O] in shape and I at first glance took it to be an overturned white car. Car appeared turned up like standing -4-
PAGE 22
report
This page contains a witness account of an encounter with an unidentified object, describing the observation of two individuals, radio communication with the sheriff's office, and hearing loud thumping sounds before a roar.
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-
PAGE 23
PAGE 24
report
A witness account describing the appearance and movement of an unidentified flying object, including details about its insignia, color, and the sound it emitted while departing.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT Insignia was about two and one-half feet high and about two feet wide, guess. Was in middle of object, like [HANDWRITTEN: A] . 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-
PAGE 25
transcript
A witness account describing the movement and disappearance of an unidentified flying object, including a radio communication with a person named Nep Lopez.
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--
PAGE 26
report
A witness account describing the observation of an unidentified flying object, the subsequent arrival of Sergeant Chavez, and the observation of burning brush at the scene.
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 Chavez, (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-
PAGE 27
report
A brief report excerpt describing Sergeant Chavez pointing out tracks at a specific location.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT Sergeant Chavez and I went to the spot, and Sergeant Chavez pointed out the tracks. -10-
PAGE 28
report
This report details the initial account of Officer Lonnie Zamora regarding a pursuit of a vehicle in Socorro, New Mexico, on April 24, 1964, which preceded his sighting of an unidentified flying object.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Albuquerque, New Mexico May 8, 1964 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.
PAGE 29
report
A witness account describing the observation of a flame in the sky south of Socorro, New Mexico, while the witness was driving a police car.
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. [HANDWRITTEN: /\ ] 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--
PAGE 30
report
A witness account describing the observation of a roar and a flame while driving on a gravel road, followed by an attempt to drive up a steep hill to investigate the site.
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-
PAGE 31
report
A witness account describing the observation of a shiny, aluminum-colored object off the road, initially mistaken for an overturned car, with two individuals in white coveralls nearby.
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 [HANDWRITTEN: O] in shape and I at first glance took it to be an overturned white car. Car appeared turned up like standing -4-
PAGE 32
transcript
This page is a transcript of a witness account describing the observation of two individuals near an unidentified object, followed by the witness radioing the sheriff's office and hearing loud thumping noises before a roar.
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-
PAGE 33
PAGE 34
transcript
A witness account describing the physical appearance of an unidentified flying object and the witness's reaction to its movement and sound.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT Insignia was about two and one-half feet high and about two feet wide, guess. Was in middle of object, like [HANDWRITTEN: S] . 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-
PAGE 35
transcript
A witness account describing the movement and disappearance of an unidentified flying object, including a radio communication with a colleague named Nep Lopez.
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-
PAGE 36
transcript
A witness account describing the observation of an unidentified flying object, the subsequent arrival of Sergeant Chavez, and the discovery of burning brush at the scene.
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 Chavez, (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-
PAGE 37
report
A brief statement regarding Sergeant Chavez identifying tracks at a specific location related to an unidentified flying object.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT Sergeant Chavez and I went to the spot, and Sergeant Chavez pointed out the tracks. -10-
PAGE 38
diagram
A hand-drawn diagram showing measurements between points, labeled as dirt burms and a general area of footprints.
[HANDWRITTEN: DIRT BURM 90°] [HANDWRITTEN: DIRT BURM] [HANDWRITTEN: GENERAL AREA OF "FOOTPRINTS"] [HANDWRITTEN: 9' 7 1/2" ->] [HANDWRITTEN: ~80°] [HANDWRITTEN: 13' 2 1/2"] [HANDWRITTEN: <- 14' 5 1/2"] [HANDWRITTEN: 11' 10 1/2"] [HANDWRITTEN: 19' 6 1/2"] [HANDWRITTEN: ~50°] [HANDWRITTEN: 90°] [HANDWRITTEN: 14' 9 1/2"] [HANDWRITTEN: BURM]
PAGE 39
other
This is a blank page containing only a handwritten file reference number at the top.
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-438]
PAGE 40
diagram
A hand-drawn diagram showing four numbered points and associated burn areas with measurements between them.
[HANDWRITTEN: #2] [HANDWRITTEN: 9'4"] [HANDWRITTEN: 6'4"] [HANDWRITTEN: #3] [HANDWRITTEN: 6'4"] [HANDWRITTEN: #4 BURN] [HANDWRITTEN: 20'] [HANDWRITTEN: 8'6"] [HANDWRITTEN: 5'4"] [HANDWRITTEN: APPARENT DIRECTION OF BURN OR HEAT] [HANDWRITTEN: #2 BURN] [HANDWRITTEN: #3 BURN] [HANDWRITTEN: 10'8"] [HANDWRITTEN: #1] [HANDWRITTEN: #4]
