Southwest
US Air Force uncovers ancient campsite on New Mexico base: 'Marks a pivotal moment'
United States Air Force (USAF) service members recently discovered an ancient campsite that dates back over 8,000 years, according to officials.
The millennia-old ruins, which were found on Holloman Air Force Base, are believed to have been inhabited by the earliest settlers of New Mexico. USAF officials say that the 8,200-year-old campsite was discovered buried around two meters deep, according to a March 21 press release.
The USAF explained that 49th Civil Engineer Squadron environmental flight members and geomorphologists – people who study how the Earth’s surface evolves – found the site back in March. The location has been named Gomolak Overlook and was found near the borders of the military base.
STRANGE ROCK UNCOVERED DURING SEA SEARCH TURNS OUT TO BE ANCIENT BATTLE GEAR
In a statement, 49th CES cultural resource manager Matthew Cuba said that sands from the nearby White Sands National Park buried the site over the past thousands of years.
United States Air Force (USAF) service members announced the discovery of an ancient campsite on Holloman Air Force Base, near White Sands National Park in New Mexico. (Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini/U.S. Air Force)
“The formation of the white sand dunes inadvertently buried the site, with windblown silt protecting the delicate archaeological remains,” Cuba said.
“This site marks a pivotal moment in shedding light on the area’s history and its early inhabitants.”
The campsite contained the remains of a hearth, which even included charcoal stains – a testament to how much early settlers depended on fire.
ANCIENT SHIPWRECKS, ARTIFACTS DATING AS EARLY AS 3000 BC UNCOVERED BY UNDERWATER RESEARCHERS
“Found on the site were approximately 70 items, ranging from flake stones to a rare example of an early ground stone, providing valuable clues about past human activities,” said Cuba.
Charcoal stains were found on the millennia-old hearth, according to photos by the U.S. Air Force. (Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini/U.S. Air Force)
“We also uncovered a series of hearths, or community campsites, with remnants of mesquite charcoal, which is a tremendous find in and of itself.”
The artifacts found by searchers will be studied and preserved, officials say.
“Adhering to the National Historic Preservation Act, we will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to preserve the site’s integrity while facilitating the progress of the test track project,” 49th CES environmental chief Scott Dorton was quoted as saying.
“The Department of Defense’s stewardship of vast tracts of land, including areas between White Sands National Park and Holloman, inadvertently protects numerous documented and undocumented archaeological resources,” he added. “As a result, some of the best-preserved archaeological records in the Tularosa Basin reside on DoD land.”
The remains of an 8,200-year-old hearth found at Gomolak Overlook. (Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini/U.S. Air Force)
The USAF says that the discovery “offers insights into early human adaptation and environmental changes.”
“As stewards of these resources, we must ensure their preservation and documentation for future generations and ensure that cultural resources are protected while also allowing for progress and development,” Cuba said.
A ground stone was recovered at the site, believed to be over 8,000 years old. (Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini/U.S. Air Force)
Fox News Digital reached out to USAF for a statement, but did not immediately hear back.
For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.
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Los Angeles, Ca
Woman killed by driver while crossing PCH in Long Beach
A woman was struck and killed by a driver while crossing the street on Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach.
On June 3, the female pedestrian was using the crosswalk at Pacific Coast Highway and Pacific Avenue around 4:50 a.m.
She had walked against a red light and was hit by a 19-year-old driver in a Chevy sedan, Long Beach police said.
Despite lifesaving efforts, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
“At this time, impaired driving, distracted driving and excessive speed are not believed to be a factor in this collision,” police said.
The woman’s name is being withheld pending identification by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information on the incident is asked to call Detective Joseph Johnson at 562-570-7355.
Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
Los Angeles, Ca
Man wanted for deadly Los Angeles road rage shooting extradited from Mexico
A man wanted for a deadly road rage shooting in Los Angeles was arrested and extradited from Mexico after fleeing the U.S. in 2024.
The suspect was identified as Christian Rojas, 21, of Bellflower, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Authorities had been searching for him since the deadly incident on October 10, 2024.
Rojas and a second suspect, Joshua Rojas Sr., 47, of Downey, were driving on the northbound 5 Freeway in Boyle Heights around 4 p.m. when they became involved in an altercation with another driver that escalated into a shooting.
Video of the tense confrontation showed the suspects, who were driving a Dodge Durango SUV, opening fire on two men in a Cadillac sedan.
The shooting forced the victim to pull over abruptly. That’s when a suspect ran up to the Cadillac, opened the passenger-side door and fired several shots at close range.
In a panic, the Cadillac driver tried to escape by making a sudden U-turn and driving against oncoming traffic. He eventually crashed head-on into several vehicles.
The suspects ditched their SUV and fled toward a freeway exit on foot. The Cadillac driver was left with serious injuries and his passenger was killed. Their identities were not released.
The incident caused a miles-long backup that left thousands of motorists stranded on the freeway for hours and authorities worked to clear the scene.
Following an extensive investigation, detectives identified the two men as the suspects involved.
Joshua Rojas Sr. was arrested in San Bernardino on October 22, 2024, on a murder charge. He remains in custody awaiting trial.
Meanwhile, Christian Rojas had fled the U.S. and was hiding in Mexico, detectives said. A $4.3 million bail warrant was issued for his arrest.
“Through a coordinated international effort, investigators determined that Rojas was living in Palomo de Arriba, Mexico,” CHP officials said. “The U.S. Marshals Service worked with Mexican state police to locate and arrest him on the outstanding warrant.”
On June 2, 2026, Christian was arrested and extradited to the U.S. to face a murder charge.
“This arrest demonstrates that time and distance will not shield violent offenders from justice,” said CHP Southern Division Chief Chris Margaris. “For nearly two years, our detectives remained relentless in their pursuit of those responsible for this senseless act of violence. Through exceptional collaboration with the United States Marshals Service and our law enforcement partners in Mexico, we located and apprehended this suspect and brought him back to face the charges. We remain committed to protecting the public, supporting victims and their families, and holding violent criminals accountable wherever they may try to hide.”
Los Angeles, Ca
NB 405 Freeway closed near LAX after pursuit ends in gunfire
The northbound 405 Freeway will remain closed for several hours near Los Angeles International Airport after a police pursuit ended with officers opening fire Friday morning. Unconfirmed reports indicated the incident began with a robbery at a 7-Eleven store, which ended with Los Angeles Police Department officers pursuing the suspect in a Kia. The chase […]
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