Featured DWI
Jay Joe
July 24, 1:21 pm
Aggravated DWI (Fourth)
After about a week from his stated prior DWI conviction, Jay Joe, 34, of Brimhall, found himself pulled over once more and charged with his fourth aggravated DWI.
An attempt to locate was issued for a possible drunk driver near the Speedway at 3302 W. Hwy. 66. The suspect vehicle was listed as a gold Buick passenger car with three men and one woman inside. Gallup Police Officer Brandon Salazar was parked in the median of I-40 near exit 16, which was close to the address given by Metro Dispatch.
Shortly after the transmission was received, Salazar saw a vehicle matching the description of the call traveling eastbound on I-40. The vehicle had no license plate, and Salazar followed it and eventually pulled it over and conducted a traffic stop near mile marker 18.
Salazar approached the passenger side window and saw each occupant was showing signs of intoxication. He spoke to the driver, Joe, who slurred his speech as he answered Salazar’s questions. After exiting the vehicle to continue questioning, Joe lifted his sunglasses and revealed his eyes were bloodshot and watery. Joe denied consuming any alcohol prior to driving and was hesitant to perform the Standard Field Sobriety Tests after stating he had been convicted of a DWI within the previous week.
Joe agreed to take the Standard Field Sobriety Tests after his initial hesitation. He performed poorly on the tests and Salazar placed him under arrest afterwards. The passengers in the vehicle were transported by a Gallup public safety officer to detox at Na’Nizhoozhi Center, Inc. while Joe was taken to the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office for the breath test, where he posted two samples of .09.
Salazar transported Joe to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked him for aggravated DWI (fourth/subs off), driving with a suspended license, no license plate, and having an open container. His preliminary examination was on Aug. 3.
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Age: 27
Arrested: July 23
Charge: DWI
Status: Pre-trial hearing on Aug. 18
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Age: 40
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Charge: Aggravated DWI (misdemeanor)
Status: Pre-trial hearing on Aug. 16
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Age: 39
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Age: 50
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Charge: DWI
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