Officer Zamora’s Close Encounter

On April 24, 1964, Socorro police officer Lonnie Zamora witnessed an egg-shaped craft with two small figures land in the desert. The case was thoroughly investigated by Project Blue Book and the FBI, who found physical traces but no explanation.

The Officer

Lonnie Zamora:

• Socorro police sergeant
• 31 years old
• Respected officer
• WWII veteran
• No UFO interest

The Sighting

April 24, 1964:

• Around 5:45 PM
• Chasing speeder
• Heard loud roar
• Saw flame
• Investigated

The Object

In the gully:

• Egg-shaped craft
• White metallic
• On legs
• Two small figures nearby
• Red insignia

The Figures

Zamora saw:

• Small beings
• White coveralls
• Near the craft
• Seemed startled
• Entered object

The Takeoff

Object rose:

• With roaring sound
• Blue flame
• Then silent
• Departed rapidly
• Left traces

Physical Evidence

At the site:

• Four landing marks
• Burned brush
• Fused sand
• Photographed
• Documented

The Investigation

Multiple agencies:

• Project Blue Book
• FBI
• Local police
• All impressed
• No explanation

Dr. J. Allen Hynek

Famous astronomer:

• Led Blue Book investigation
• Found Zamora credible
• Evidence genuine
• Couldn’t explain
• Changed his views

The Symbol

Red insignia:

• On craft’s side
• Zamora sketched it
• Distinctive
• Debated
• Key detail

Zamora’s Character

The officer:

• Never changed story
• Shunned publicity
• Passed all tests
• Died 2009
• Maintained account

Significance

One of the most credible close encounter cases with physical evidence, multiple investigations, and an impeccable witness.

Legacy

The Socorro landing represents a watershed case that helped establish the credibility of close encounter reports, featuring an unimpeachable witness and documented physical traces.