Gallup Patrolman Warren Bowannie conducted a traffic stop on a silver Chevrolet Malibu late on March 19 at the intersection of Nizhoni Boulevard and Mendoza Road after it failed to maintain its lane.

Bowannie spoke with the driver, Jake Garcia, Jr., 48, of Gallup, who said the car was new and did not have insurance or registration yet. While Garcia spoke, Bowannie noted he slurred his speech and had bloodshot eyes, and there was a smell of alcohol coming from inside the Chevy. Garcia eventually said he had one can of an unspecified beverage prior to driving.

Garcia agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests, but had difficulty following directions and eventually failed. Bowannie...