Task force takes on DWI

While New Mexico State Police officer James Jenkins talks to the other two adults who were riding in a car, a young boy who was riding in the back seat looks back at the patrol car where Alfredo Hammitt sits in custody after being arrested for drunk driving on Sixth Street and Logan Avenue in Gallup. Jenkins' final DWI arrest for 2007 was number 159 for him for the year. [photo by Jeff Jones / Independent]

By Leslie Wood
Staff writer

GALLUP — Local law enforcement announced the creation of a DWI joint task force Friday to combat alcohol-related crashes and fatalities in McKinley County and surrounding rural areas.

Both city, state and county police will be cross commissioned to patrol Navajo reservation areas that are located within McKinley County, pursuant to the agreement that is the first of its kind statewide.

In the past, city officers were not able to cross into tribal locations and make arrests because they lacked jurisdiction. But with the new agreement and task force, jurisdiction won’t be an issue.

Rural areas, often located within or around the perimeters of the Navajo Reservation, are the most common locations for alcohol related fatalities. In 2005, 122 crashes were reported along U.S. Highway 491 and New Mexico Highway 371. Of that number, 37 were fatalities. Other problem areas include County Road 19 and New Mexico Highway 509.

“The crashes aren’t happening on I-40 or in town, but in the rural community,” Lt. Darren Soland, of the New Mexico State Police, said.

In fact, alcohol-related crashes have plummeted more than 24 percent in McKinley County’s more populated areas. The percentage marks the most significant decrease in 2007 for the state of New Mexico.

Officers hope to begin patrols of rural McKinley County within days.

The pilot project will begin Tuesday and is funded through a $241,000 grant provided by the state and DWI Czar Rachel O’Conner.

Sgt. Edwin Yazzie, of the Gallup Police Department, will lead the task force that will have about five officers per shift.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to see happen,” Yazzie said of the task force.

Deputy Police Chief John Allen said the new program will greatly benefit motorists who travel the area’s remote roadways.

“This grant’s sole purpose is to reduce alcohol related deaths,” Allen said.

As part of the agreement, Navajo Nation officers can also make arrests within the city of Gallup. Navajo Nation officials are expected to sign the agreement in the near future.

“I’m sure they’ll be on board,” Sheriff Frank Gonzales said.