Resignation submitted before investigation
Staff Reports
An off-duty New Mexico State Police officer was arrested after allegedly driving under the influence and then refusing to comply with law enforcement.
About 11:11 p.m. on Feb. 27, McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremy Shirley was traveling westbound on Highway 66 when he spotted a silver Toyota 4-Runner driving the wrong way on South Third Street before nearly rear-ending another vehicle at a red light.
The vehicle swerved onto the sidewalk and continued eastbound on Highway 66, running onto multiple curbs and nearly striking a light pole. These movements caused the two right tires to pop and flatten, making the driver come to a stop at East Highway 66 and South Strong Drive.
Shirley conducted a traffic stop to speak with the driver, Rachel Hall, 32, of Montpelier, VA, who initially refused to roll down her window or exit the vehicle. Additional officers arrived at the scene as Shirley tried to speak to Hall, who showed signs of intoxication including slurred speech and smelling of alcohol. They later found an open bottle of Wild Berry Vodka under the passenger seat.
After multiple refusals to exit the vehicle, officers from the Gallup Police Department assisted in breaking the window and forcibly removing Hall. As she was being detained, Hall said she would not comply until her sergeant arrived. It was determined shortly afterwards that Hall was an off-duty New Mexico State Police officer.
Hall continued to resist arrest and refused to submit a breath sample. She was eventually transported to the McKinley County Adult Detention Center, where she was booked for aggravated DWI, open container, resisting arrest, and failure to maintain lane. No hearing date was set as of press time.
Following the arrest, NMSP Chief Troy Weisler voiced his opinion on the incident.
“I was extremely disappointed to learn one of my officers had been arrested,” he said. “Officer Hall was immediately placed on administrative leave. She chose to resign before an internal investigation could be completed. I remain committed to holding all my officers accountable for their actions. Her conduct does not reflect the values and integrity that define a New Mexico State Police officer, and I am deeply troubled by her conduct and this breach of public trust. The actions of Officer Hall betray the professionalism and dedication shown by members of our agency daily. [New Mexico State Police] remains steadfast in our mission to serve and protect the State of New Mexico with honor and integrity. Those who dishonor this badge have no place in the State Police.”
