McKenzie Begay

Aug. 5, 6:20 pm

Aggravated DWI

McKinley County Sheriff’s Sgt. Tammy Houghtaling was traveling eastbound on Highway 118 when she observed a silver Chevy headed west at a high rate of speed, about 56 miles per hour in a 45-mph zone. She turned around and began to follow the car.

After turning north onto County Road 5, Houghtaling conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, McKenzie Begay, 33, of Window Rock, Ariz. He handed over his insurance, registration and driver’s license. Then he said he was sorry for speeding.

Houghtaling noted a strong smell of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle. She also noticed a passenger in the car.

As Begay exited the vehicle, Houghtaling noticed signs he was intoxicated. He also urinated on himself, saying there were too many people in line for the restroom at a nearby gas station.

Begay told Houghtaling that the alcohol she smelled on him was hand sanitizer. Houghtaling said it was a different kind of alcohol.

Begay agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests. He admitted he had one beer earlier, and insisted he was not drunk and could drive. He failed the tests and was placed under arrest. Meanwhile, Deputy Terrance Willie arrived to secure the passenger.

Houghtaling transported Begay to the sheriff’s office for the breath test, where he posted samples of .15 and .16. Begay was then transported to Gallup Indian Medical Center for a blood draw.

Afterward, Begay was booked into McKinley County Adult Detention Center for charges of aggravated driving while intoxicated and speeding.