Staff Reports
Featured DWI
June 26, 9:37 pm
Aggravated DWI, speeding over 20 mph
New Mexico State Police stopped a car traveling above the speed limit and eventually arrested a Church Rock man for DWI.
Officer Terence Willie was on patrol on Highway 118 when he observed a white Chevrolet Malibu traveling westbound. His unit’s radar reportedly pinged the vehicle traveling about 66 mph in a 45-mph zone. After confirming the speed, Willie turned around to follow the Malibu, eventually pulling it over at the Speedway station at 3798 E. Hwy. 118.
He approached the unit and did not see anyone in the driver’s seat. However, there were three people in the rest of the vehicle, all of whom reportedly appeared intoxicated. Willie addressed one of the passengers, Kevin Tom, 31, who had been driving and he denied doing so. However, Willie reportedly noticed evidence that pointed to Tom having crawled into the backseat after stopping the vehicle.
Tom exited the vehicle on command, where he showed signs of intoxication including bloodshot eyes and smelling of alcohol. Tom had reportedly been uncooperative with peace officers in previous encounters, and he didn’t answer Willie’s questions. One of the other passengers then reportedly stated that Tom was the driver.
He continued to refuse to answer any of Willie’s questions, stating he wanted an attorney. Based on the investigation, Willie placed Tom under arrest. He later refused further tests including the breath test.
After the paperwork was complete, Tom was taken to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for aggravated DWI, speeding (over 21-25 mph), concealing identity, no license, and open container. His pretrial hearing is set for July 14.
Name: Leona Tom
Age: 60
Arrested: July 1
Charge: DWI
Status: Pretrial hearing on July 21
Name: Cleveland Pierson
Age: 54
Arrested: June 30
Charge: Aggravated DWI
Status: Pretrial hearing on Aug. 6
Name: Nathan Penketewa
Age: 29
Arrested: June 28
Charge: Aggravated DWI
Status: Pretrial hearing on July 30
Name: Alexander McCabe
Age: 33
Arrested: June 28
Charge: Aggravated DWI
Status: Pretrial hearing on July 30
