GRANTS, NM – The streets of Grants, New Mexico were rocked when local law enforcement was locked into a minor chase, eventually Grants Police Department was able to detain Rosendo Morales on suspicions of impaired driving and marijuana possession.
Upon responding to a tip regarding a potentially impaired driver in a silver Dodge Durango at 1121 Mount Taylor, an officer was directed to the vehicle by a concerned woman. As the officer approached, Morales began to drive away, ignoring repeated verbal commands to stop his vehicle.
Morales navigated the Durango erratically, making exaggerated wide turns, often veering into the middle of the roadway, and at times, narrowly missing oncoming traffic. Morales led police to Mesa Ave, through the four-way intersection of Mesa and Mt. Taylor, left onto Washington Ave., then left onto Ash, then down Ash, onto Truman, it then turned onto Jensen where it finally stopped.
Upon Morales' apprehension, officers detected a pronounced alcoholic scent. Further search of the vehicle revealed a small quantity of marijuana on the driver's seat, alongside a butane lighter.
Morales' demeanor during his arrest provided further cause for concern. A strong chemical odor was evident, and his profuse sweating and non-reactive pinpoint pupils raised suspicions of drug use. Once at the Grants Police Department, a blood test was administered with Morales' consent.
Using their connections, GPD called Chief Carl Ustupski of Milan Police Department to come help with the case. Chief Ustupski is a Drug Recognition Expert and went to help determine the severity of the case. There were some complications with technology and a full exam was unable to be given, but a breathalyzer test gave a reading of .25.
Witnesses at the scene, including an audibly distressed mother of Morales, expressed both concern and frustration, hinting at previous similar incidents.
Officers were able to detain and book Morales at Cibola County Correctional Center.