The Lonnie Zamora Encounter

On April 24, 1964, Socorro police officer Lonnie Zamora was chasing a speeding car when he heard a roar and saw a flame descend into a gully. Investigating, he encountered a landed craft and two small figures that would change his life.

The Chase

Officer Zamora was pursuing a speeding vehicle south of Socorro when he heard a loud roar and saw a flame in the sky to the west. He abandoned the chase to investigate what he believed might be an explosion at a dynamite shack.

The Object

Zamora drove up a rough gravel road and stopped near a gully. Below him sat a white, egg-shaped craft resting on legs. Near it stood two small figures in white coveralls. When they noticed him, they moved quickly toward the craft.

The Departure

As Zamora approached, the craft’s roar resumed. Flame emerged from the bottom. The craft rose, its legs retracted, and it departed horizontally at increasing speed. Zamora radioed for backup.

The Evidence

Sergeant Sam Chavez arrived to find Zamora visibly shaken. They found landing gear impressions in the ground and burned brush. FBI and Air Force investigators found the evidence consistent with Zamora’s account.

The Investigation

Project Blue Book labeled this case “Unknown.” Air Force consultant J. Allen Hynek was impressed by Zamora’s credibility. No conventional explanation was ever found. Zamora remained certain of what he saw.

Assessment

The Socorro incident is considered one of the most credible close encounter cases. Officer Zamora’s reputation, the physical evidence, and the thorough official investigation combine to create a compelling account of contact.