Staff Reports
Featured DWI
Sept. 2, 11:01 pm
Aggravated DWI (Second)
New Mexico State Police arrested a Yatahey man for his second DWI after investigating a vehicle that had bottomed out.
Officer Brandi Garnenez was traveling eastbound on Highway 66 when she observed a gray 2026 Honda Civic parked on the sidewalk near the intersection of the highway and Tocito Trail. The vehicle was reportedly unable to move from its spot.
Garnenez turned to conduct a welfare check and met the driver, Derek Curley, 25, who stated he was on his way to the Cowboy Iron Gym at 3330 E. Hwy. 66. As Garnenez spoke to him, Curley reportedly showed signs of intoxication including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, delayed movements, and smelling of alcohol.
Curley also reportedly admitted to drinking two cans of Voodoo alcoholic beverage prior to driving. He then agreed to take the Standard Field Sobriety Tests. However, he performed poorly and was placed under arrest. The towing company arrived afterward and located several open containers in the vehicle during inventory.
After being taken to the nearby state police office, Curley refused to take either a blood or breath test. Then once the paperwork was complete, Garnenez transported Curley to the McKinley County Adult Detention Center, where he was booked for aggravated DWI (second), failure to register vehicle, and open container.
His pretrial hearing is set for Oct. 8.
Name: Tawny Smith
Age: 50
Arrested: Sept. 5
Charge: Aggravated DWI
Status: Arraignment on Oct. 2
Name: Brandon Lewis
Age: 29
Arrested: Sept. 5
Charge: Aggravated DWI (Second)
Status: Pretrial hearing on Oct. 13
Name: Avery Thomas
Age: 36
Arrested: Sept. 2
Charge: Aggravated DWI (Second)
Status: Pretrial hearing on Oct. 8
Name: Orrin Folger
Age: 33
Arrested: Sept. 2
Charge: Aggravated DWI
Status: Pretrial hearing on Sept. 15
