Orel Begay
Nov. 21, 2020, 8:45 pm
Aggravated DWI
Gallup Patrolman Nicole Diswood was dispatched to South Strong and East Highway 66 in reference to a drunk driver. She arrived at the scene and met the driver, Orel Begay, 33, of Fort Defiance, Ariz., after his vehicle had to be stopped by another officer.
Diswood began talking with Begay, noting he had bloodshot eyes and slurred his speech. He had difficulty exiting the vehicle and then refused to take the standard field sobriety tests. Begay also said he had chewing tobacco he was unable to spit out, so he was unable to give a portable breath test.
Begay was transported to Gallup Police Department, where he was able to give one breath sample of .35. He was then transported to Gallup Indian Medical Center for clearance and was finally taken to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked.
Sheldon Shakey
Aug. 22, 2020, 1:28 am
Aggravated DWI
McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Victor Madrid was dispatched to Munoz Overpass in reference to an orange Camaro that hit a curb and was driving with a flat tire. Madrid saw the vehicle traveling eastbound on the I-40 onramp from Munoz Overpass and pulled it over.
The driver, later identified as Sheldon Shakey, 32, address not given, had opened the door as Madrid walked toward the vehicle. Madrid noted Shakey had no legs and had to get his wheelchair out to speak with him. As he got the chair out, Madrid observed he was slurring his words and smelled of alcohol. Shakey then swayed in his wheelchair as he spoke to Madrid.
Shakey agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests, but he got upset and began yelling during the tests and Madrid took his actions as refusal to finish them. Based on his observations, Madrid placed Shakey under arrest for DUI and had Officer Dominic Molina assist with placing Shakey in the back of his unit.
Throughout the arrest Shakey continued to yell and curse at Madrid, who took his words as refusal to give a breath test. He was then transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked.
He was released on his own recognizance.
Isralie Jones
June 20, 2020, 12:36 pm
Aggravated DWI (Second)
McKinley County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to U.S. Highway 491 and Highway 608 in reference to a vehicle crash. Deputy Terence Willie observed a black Saturn Ion and was advised the driver was possibly intoxicated.
Willie met the driver, Isralie Jones, 28, no address provided, who did not respond to his questions. Willie noted the vehicle smelled of alcohol and there were several open containers inside. Jones threatened Willie and resisted arrest as Willie tried to detain him.
Jones also slurred his speech and had bloodshot eyes. He did not agreed to the standard field sobriety tests and refused to give a breath sample.
A summons was later filed for Jones, for charges including aggravated DWI, assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, no license or registration, concealing identity, and open container.
He was released on his own recognizance.
Jolene Benally
Dec. 8, 2019, 1:47 am
Aggravated DWI
New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Ray Maese was on duty on Highway 602 near Gallup when he observed a silver Nissan vehicle failing to maintain its lane ahead of him. The vehicle turned east onto Nizhoni Boulevard and he followed it, eventually pulling the car over near the intersection of Nizhoni and Cipriano Avenue.
Maese met the driver, Jolene Benally, 40, of Albuquerque, who told him she was following her friend home. Maese noted the smell of alcohol coming from the vehicle and Benally was slow to respond to his request to provide documentation. She also slurred her speech and had bloodshot, watery eyes.
After exiting the vehicle, Benally told Maese she had drunk two beers prior to driving. However she also seemed confused with her answers. She agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests, but failed and was placed under arrest.
Benally refused to give a breath sample and she was transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked without incident.
She was released on her own recognizance.
Gerreitt Lansing
July 21, 2019, 12:56 am
Aggravated DWI
New Mexico State Police Officer Matthew Williams was advised by Metro Dispatch of a potential drunk driver heading south on U.S. Highway 491. He spotted the vehicle turning eastbound onto Maloney Avenue and he began following it.
Williams pulled the vehicle over and conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Maloney and Carver Street. He met with the driver, Gerreitt Lansing, 32, of Brimhall, N.M., who was slow to respond to his questions. Williams also noted Lansing had bloodshot eyes, slurred his speech, and the interior of the vehicle smelled of alcohol.
Lansing stepped out of the vehicle at Williams’ request. He admitted to drinking several beers at some time earlier in the day before he agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests. He failed the tests and was placed under arrest. He agreed to give a breath sample and was transported to the local New Mexico State Police office, where he posted samples of .25 and .22.
He was then transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked. The vehicle was released to the registered owner’s wife.
He was released on his own recognizance.
Melvin Patton
May 6, 2019, 9:49 am
Aggravated DWI (Third)
New Mexico State Police Officer Devin Largo was patrolling on Highway 118 when he saw a blue GMC truck fail to stop at a red light turning onto Miyamura Overpass, almost causing a collision. Largo began following the vehicle and pulled it over near the 22 mile post on I-40.
Largo met the driver, Melvin Patton, 47, of Crownpoint, N.M. and immediately noted the smell of alcohol coming from the vehicle along with Patton having bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. Largo also saw several open cans of Budweiser in the cup holders and an open bottle of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey in the center console.
Patton admitted to drinking three cans of alcohol prior to driving and refused to take the standard field sobriety tests, saying he would fail them. He was placed under arrest, but stated he wanted to get the money out of his vehicle before it was towed. Largo agreed to do that for him, and he found $1,000 in rolled bills in the vehicle.
Largo transported Patton to the local state police office, where Patton agreed to the breath test and posted two samples of .19. Patton’s wife arrived sometime later and she collected the money at his request.
Patton was then transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked.
He was required to put up $3000 cash or surety.
