GRANTS, N.M. — On Thursday evening, a routine traffic stop escalated into a DWI arrest in Grants, New Mexico. At approximately 7:11 p.m., a Grants Police Department (GPD) officer noticed a disabled truck in the middle of the intersection at George Hanosh Blvd. and Sakalares Blvd. with no lights on.
According to the arrest report, upon approaching the truck, the officer observed a male driver and a young child in the passenger seat. The man, later identified as Travis Tyson, attempted to move the vehicle briefly before it stalled again.
While speaking with Tyson, the officer noticed a strong odor of alcohol. Tyson admitted to consuming a tall can of Smirnoff and having smoked marijuana before driving. Concerned about his ability to operate the vehicle safely, the officer initiated a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.
Tyson showed signs of impairment during the tests. He struggled to maintain balance and follow instructions in the Walk and Turn and One-Leg Stand tests. As a result of these observations and Tyson's admissions, he was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI).
At the Grants Police Department, Tyson underwent a breath test using an Intoxilyzer 8000, which revealed blood alcohol concentrations of 0.19 g/210L and 0.18 g/210L, both of which exceed New Mexico's legal limit of 0.08 g/210L.
The child, identified as Tyson's son, was visibly distressed during the incident, expressing concern about his father returning to jail.
Tyson was subsequently transported to Core-Civic in Milan for incarceration.
GPD reiterated the importance of not driving under the influence and ensuring the safety of all people driving on the road.