Brian Edward Morgan
July 12, 10:06 pm
Aggravated DWI (2nd)
McKinley County Sgt. Tammy Houghtaling was requested in the area of U.S. Highway 491 by Tohlakai Speedway in reference to a possible drunk driver. Several calls came in about a gray Ford pickup truck, and off-duty Chief Investigator Merle Bates witnessed the vehicle crash.
When Houghtaling arrived near the 10-mile marker on U.S. Highway 491, she made contact with Bates, who said he had heard the sound of a crash and saw a vehicle parked on the road that then left without its headlights on.
Bates said he followed the vehicle north on U.S. Highway 491, stopped it, and made contact with the driver, Brian Edward Morgan, 34, of Crownpoint.
The front of the vehicle sustained damage to its side headlamp and grill, which Houghtaling said looked to be recently inflicted.
Bates then transported Morgan to McKinley County Sheriff’s Office, where Morgan refused to take the breath test.
Houghtaling also noted there was an altercation during the arrest wherein Bates’ right elbow and her left shoulder were injured. She went to Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services to have her shoulder checked, and no other information is available.
Morgan was then transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center where he was booked on charges of a second aggravated DWI, immediate notice of accident, duty upon striking fixture, driving left of center, having a suspended or revoked license, and resisting or obstructing an officer.
