Featured DWI
Ernest Clah
April 20, 9:32 am
Aggravated DWI (Third)
A tan Pontiac Bonneville crashed into a metal guard near a local gas station, eventually leading to the driver, Ernest Clah, 36, of Gallup, being arrested for his third DWI.
Gallup Officer Christopher Dawes was dispatched to the Allsups store at 2857 W. Hwy. 66 after a call pertaining to the vehicle crash came into Metro Dispatch. Dawes arrived at the scene and found a vehicle matching the caller’s description with front end damage that also fit the description.
Dawes met the driver, Clah, who was reportedly sitting partially dressed in the front seat. Dawes saw an open container of Caliber Vodka in the backseat of the vehicle along with noting a strong smell of alcohol coming from inside. He also observed signs of intoxication from Clah, including bloodshot eyes, smelling of alcohol, slurred speech, and trouble keeping his balance.
The calling party, a store employee, met Dawes at the scene and identified Clah as the driver who had hit the metal guard near the building and tried to leave the scene. Dawes offered the Standard Field Sobriety Tests to Clah, who refused to take the tests and was placed under arrest.
Metro Dispatch advised that Clah had two prior DWI charges and his license had been revoked. Clah initially agreed to provide a breath sample, but once he was transported to the police station he then refused the breath test.
Clah was transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for aggravated DWI (third), failure to give accident notice, no license, and an open container. His final pretrial hearing is set for Sept. 12.
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