A man having a bad day was stopped by New Mexico State Police Officer Chaz Troncoso who was patrolling eastbound on Highway 118 early on Jan. 4, 2020. Troncoso saw a silver pickup truck traveling westbound at about 91 mph in a 45-mph zone. He turned around and began to follow it.

The pursuit went onto Day Street, where the truck eventually stopped. Troncoso approached from the passenger side and met driver, Dominic Molina, 45, of Gallup, who appeared distraught. Molina said he knew he was speeding. He explained he had a lot of personal issues.

Troncoso noticed Molina slurred his speech and had bloodshot eyes, and the vehicle smelled of alcohol.

As Molina described his problems to Troncoso, he said he could pass the standard field sobriety tests. He asked that he not be charged for DUI because he had a commercial driver’s license.

He eventually agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests after Troncoso told him he could not let the stop go. Molina failed the tests, admitting he had four beers and a mixed drink prior to driving.

An arrangement was made for the vehicle to be picked up while Molina was transported to the local New Mexico State Police office. He refused to give a breath sample and argued with Troncoso.

He was then taken to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for aggravated DWI and speeding.