LOS LUNAS, N.M. (KRQE) – In DWI cases, the state has two chances to hold drunk drivers accountable. There are criminal penalties in court, and New Mexico can take away your driver’s license. KRQE Investigates revealed what happens when officers don’t show up to those hearings and drivers get a free pass. KRQE Investigates also uncovered another problem involving a law enforcement agency going rogue.
KRQE Investigates
- Arresting deputy refuses to testify in DWI license hearing
- Suspected ‘mastermind’ behind shootings at politicians’ homes heads to trial
- APD lieutenant named in DWI scandal accused of abusing child in 2016
- ‘This is not right’: Albuquerque police investigating HOA president’s paychecks
- DWI suspects keeping driver licenses due to officer ‘no shows’
In October 2022, three separate cars were hit on a dark road in Valencia County. Witnesses said the driver who caused the crash was going the wrong direction. “He smells of alcohol, like he’s completely drunk off his…” a witness is heard explaining what happened to a Valencia County deputy on scene.
“He hit me, hit her, still tried taking off and everything,” one witness said. According to records obtained by KRQE, Valencia County Deputy Brandon Lujan took the report. “I need you to be honest with me, bro, I’m smelling an odor of alcohol,” Deputy Lujan told the driver. “How much have you had to drink tonight?”…