Featured DWI
Tianne Benally
Aug. 17, 10:04 pm
Aggravated DWI with child abandonment
An Albuquerque woman, Tianne Benally, is facing DWI and numerous child abandonment charges after being stopped by Gallup Police.
Officer Charlie Watkins was dispatched to the movie theater Red Rock 10, 3711 Church Rock St., in reference to an intoxicated driver. He arrived at the scene and met with site security, who directed him to a blue passenger car in the east lot. As Watkins conducted a traffic stop and approached the vehicle, he reportedly heard children screaming inside.
He met the driver, Benally, 27, who initially had trouble holding onto one of the children. Officer Francesca Henry arrived and helped secure the three children at the scene while Watkins continued his investigation. Benally reportedly showed signs of intoxication including bloodshot eyes, smelling of alcohol, and swaying in place. She appeared confused as she retrieved the requested documentation. She stated she had “some to drink” when questioned but did not say what or how much.
Benally agreed to take the Standard Field Sobriety Tests but performed poorly on them. Watkins placed her under arrest based on her performance as well as eyewitness accounts. Benally refused the breath test and was taken to the McKinley County Adult Detention Center, where she was booked for aggravated DWI, proof of insurance, and three counts of child abandonment. Her motion hearing is set for Nov. 12.
Name: Quinton John
Age: 26
Arrested: Aug. 25
Charge: DWI
Status: Motion hearing on Nov. 19
Name: Roderick Roy Smith
Age: 39
Arrested: Aug. 25
Charge: DWI
Status: Pretrial hearing on Sept. 26
Name: Tyler James
Age: 34
Arrested: Aug. 24
Charge: Aggravated DWI
Status: Failed to appear in court on Sept. 17, warrant issued
Name: Donnie Begay Age: 61 Arrested: Aug. 14 Charge: Aggravated DWI (Second) Status: Motion hearing on Nov. 5 Name: Levi Troy Wayco Age: 37 Arrested: Aug. 11 Charge: Aggravated DWI Status: Motion hearing on Nov. 5
Name: Dominic Campos Age: 34 Arrested: Aug. 8
Status: Motion hearing on Dec. 5
