Chancey Martinez
Feb. 9, 12:53
Aggravated DWI
As the driver of a dark-colored Nissan truck neared the intersection of Midway Drive and Pittsburgh Loop, and was about to go to sleep in the middle of the intersection, a caller reported the scene to Metro Dispatch.
McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Paul Davis was dispatched to the scene where he found the suspect vehicle. He walked up to the window and woke the driver, Chancey Martinez, 53, no address listed. As Martinez rolled down the window, Davis noted a strong smell of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle.
Martinez had trouble turning off the vehicle. He told Davis he consumed an unspecified amount of Bud Light prior to stepping out of the vehicle. Due to being unsteady on his feet and having medical conditions, Davis administered alternative tests.
After observing his poor performance on the test, Davis placed Martinez under arrest for DWI. He refused to take a breath test and was transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked.
Felix Nelson
Feb. 8, 4:12 pm
Aggravated DWI
A worker from Trade Mart Alon, 1500 S. Second St., called Metro Dispatch and informed them of a possible intoxicated driver that was gassing up a red Dodge pickup truck with four occupants.
McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Terence Willie found the vehicle parked in the lot of the Rocket Cafe at 1719 S. Second St. He conducted a traffic stop and met the driver, Felix Nelson, 37, no address listed, who stepped out of the vehicle and caused an open box of Budweiser, and several beer cans to fall on the ground.
As he spoke, Willie observed Nelson show several signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes, smelling of alcohol, and slurring his speech. Nelson initially said he had not consumed any alcohol but later said he consumed two cans of Budweiser at about 1 or 2 pm that day.
Due to a previous injury he had sustained, Willie administered alternative tests to Nelson, who then performed poorly on them.
Nelson was placed under arrest and transported to the Sheriff’s office where he eventually agreed to the breath test. He posted two samples of .19 before being transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for aggravated DWI, a suspended license, no insurance or registration, and having an open container in a vehicle.
Loren Watchman
Feb. 6, 3:36 pm
DWI
Metro Dispatch was advised of a gray Ford truck that crashed into a trailer near A-1 Towing Company at 19 Coal Basin Rd. The truck was reportedly driven by someone under the influence.
McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Paul Davis was dispatched to the scene, and saw the suspect vehicle against the front of a U-Haul trailer on the premises. The vehicle appeared empty at first, but Davis checked closer and found a male who appeared to be sleeping on the floorboard with his head towards the passenger door.
The driver, Loren Watchman, 35, no address listed, did not verbally respond, smelled of alcohol, and had a laceration to the top of his head, leading Davis to call for medical units. Sgt. Garylle James arrived at the scene, after which Watchman suddenly awoke and was aggressive towards deputies.
A search of his vehicle revealed a closed can of Mickey’s Malt Liquor in the front seat.
Watchman was taken to Gallup Indian Medical Center, where he was uncooperative with Davis and another deputy. He was admitted into the hospital due to his condition. The report stated a criminal summons would be issued to Watchman through the Gallup Magistrate Court for DWI, no insurance, a revoked license, and criminal damage to property.
Krystal Shirley
Feb. 3, 10:43 pm
Aggravated DWI
A white Jeep SUV was traveling in the wrong lane on Highway 118 where McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Johnson Lee was stationed. Lee turned to follow the vehicle before it could collide with another vehicle, which later turned into the parking lot and then the ordering stall of Sonic at 1901 W. Hwy. 66.
The driver, identified as Krystal Shirley, 21, no address listed, did not heed Lee’s instructions to turn off the vehicle multiple times, so Lee had to open the door and ask Shirley to step out. As she did, Lee noticed a half-pint of what he believed was an alcoholic beverage on the floorboard. He noticed signs of intoxication coming from Shirley, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and a smell of alcohol.
Shirley did agree to take the Standard Field Sobriety Tests at first, but soon stopped and refused to continue. Shirley was placed under arrest while the two other passengers in the vehicle were left to be picked up by family and the vehicle was later towed.
After agreeing to do a breath test, Shirley posted two samples of .24. She was transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for aggravated DWI, having an open container in a vehicle, no license, and driving on divided streets.