What began as an attempt to arrest David Gabaldon for an outstanding warrant, resulted in a mini drug bust of Gabaldon and two of his friends Jan. 13.
But not without chase.
McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Johnson Lee and another deputy went to 210 E. Princeton to try and make contact with Amanda Quintana, a wanted felon who was known to stay at the residence. They made contact with Gabaldon, however, and confirmed that he had a warrant for his arrest. He fled before police could get him in handcuffs.
Lee would return to the scene later to finish what he started. So, he kept his eye on a car that peaked his interest for good reason.
Gabaldon had attempted to duck in the backseat of his friend Michael Garcia’s car as it cruised past Lee, but he was caught in the act. He had hitched a ride with Garcia, who claimed that he was just giving Gabaldon, and the other two passengers a ride.
When Lee pulled the vehicle over and approached Gabaldon, he tried to lie about his identity, but Gallup Police Department Officer Dominic Molina called his bluff. Another deputy noticed a “pipe used to smoke “crack” or methamphetamine lying on the floor right where David was sitting, ” according to Lee’s report.
Gabaldon was arrested and booked for use/possession of a controlled substance; resisting, evading or obstructing an officer; and concealing identity.
On the passenger side of the vehicle sat Anthony Palacios, 40, who allegedly tried to tell police that his first name was Matthew, the report stated. He then claimed his name was Edward, but these were reportedly his brothers’ names.
He also had a loaded handgun near him, which everyone in the car claimed to have no knowledge of whom it belonged to or where it came from. He was arrested for the warrant he was trying to avoid, plus for concealing his identity. A search of his pockets turned up an Altoids mint container, which inside contained a white, powdery substance “believed to be meth,” adding to his charges.
Shinoia Yazzie purse was filled with syringes, cotton balls and several small baggies containing a “black tar substance believed to be black tar heroin,” according to the report.
Yazzie, 22, claimed the purse was hers, but the drugs were not.
