Staff Reports
Featured DWI
Aug. 20, 7:10 pm
Aggravated DWI
New Mexico State Police pulled over a vehicle traveling in the wrong lane and eventually arrested a Tohatchi man for his third DWI.
Officer Brandi Garnenez was traveling eastbound on Highway 118 when she observed a beige 2010 Buick passenger car turn onto the roadway in the wrong direction, nearly colliding with another vehicle. The Buick then turned into the parking lot of the Dairy Queen at 2000 E. Hwy. 66.
Garnenez turned into lot and saw two people exit the vehicle. The passenger went inside the business while the driver, later identified as Marcus Smith, 38, sat in front outside. She began to speak to Smith about the incident and he reportedly became very combative.
Smith also reportedly showed signs of intoxication as he spoke including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and smelling of alcohol. He was also slow to respond to questions. He reportedly admitted drinking an unspecified amount of alcohol prior to being stopped, but said that he hadn’t been driving, stating the driver had taken off along with another passenger despite Garnenez only seeing the pair exit the vehicle.
Garnenez then administered the Standard Field Sobriety Tests. However, Smith performed poorly on the tests and was placed under arrest. He then refused to take the breath test. Meanwhile, the passenger was released from the scene.
After completing the paperwork at the local state police office, Garnenez transported Smith to the McKinley County Adult Detention Center, where he was booked for aggravated DWI (third), driving the wrong way, and open container.
His pretrial hearing is set for Sept. 10.
Name: Renee Emerson
Age: 45
Arrested: Aug. 28
Charge: DWI
Status: Pretrial hearing on Sept. 15
Name: Anthony Watson
Age: 26
Arrested: Aug. 25
Charge: Aggravated DWI
Status: Pretrial hearing on Sept. 10
Name: Elliot Silversmith
Age: 27
Arrested: Aug. 25
Charge: Aggravated DWI (Second)
Status: Pretrial hearing on Oct. 8
