Staff Reports
Arthur Autyunian
Feb. 11, 8:49 pm
Aggravated DWI
A truck driver from Glendale, CA was arrested after crashing on I-40 near mile marker 68.5 and faces charges of DWI and careless driving.
McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Harland Soseeah responded to the scene where he found a 2017 white Freightliner blocking the eastbound lanes. The driver, identified as Arthur Autyunian, 63, reportedly showed signs of intoxication, including smelling strongly of alcohol.
Soseeah began to speak to Autyunian, who did not explain what had happened but told Soseeah “he was sorry.” Autyunian admitted to drinking one can of beer and refused to perform the Standard Field Sobriety Tests.
Inside the truck, other deputies found several open containers, including Corona, Foster’s beer, and Jameson whiskey.
Autyunian was placed under arrest and initially agreed to take a breath test. However, while being transported, he complained of chest pains and was taken to Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital. After receiving medical clearance, he was taken to the sheriff’s office where he then declined to give a breath sample.
He was then transported and booked into the McKinley County Adult Detention Center for aggravated DWI and careless driving. His pretrial hearing is set for March 6.
Shania Toadlena
Feb. 8, 4:45 pm
Aggravated DWI
A woman from St. Michaels, AZ was arrested for DWI after crashing her vehicle on State Highway 400.
McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Frank Villa responded to the crash site near mile marker 7.5 after a caller reported that both occupants of a dark blue Chevrolet Malibu appeared intoxicated. Upon arriving at the site, Villa found two women outside a heavily damaged vehicle matching the description. The women were identified as sisters Shania and Charmayne Toadlena.
Villa spoke to the women about the incident. Shania admitted to driving and reportedly showed signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes and smelling of alcohol. She initially claimed she had only one drink prior to driving, but she later admitted to consuming six drinks, the last one about an hour prior to the collision.
Shania agreed to perform the Standard Field Sobriety Tests, but she performed poorly on them. She was placed under arrest and transported to the sheriff’s office for the breath test, where she posted samples of .19 and .18. During this time, the vehicle was towed and Charmayne was transported to a nearby detox facility.
After the breath test, Shania was transported to Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital for medical clearance before being taken to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for aggravated DWI. Her pretrial hearing is set for March 4.
