A Hobbs man was arrested last week after driving through a DWI checkpoint on U.S. 62/180.
The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) were conducting the checkpoint Dec. 28 just outside Hobbs when a Nissan pickup truck approached at a high rate of speed. NMSP officers attempted to get the driver to slow down, but he refused, accelerating through the checkpoint and initiating a pursuit.
Spike strips were successfully deployed, but the driver continued to flee. A pursuit intervention technique (PIT) maneuver was ultimately utilized, bringing the chase to an end. The driver — identified as 40-year-old Michael Pineda of Hobbs — exited the pickup and fled on foot, but officers were able to catch and detain him.
After undergoing field sobriety testing, Pineda was placed under arrest on charges of aggravated DWI. Additional charges included aggravated assault upon a peace officer; battery upon a peace officer; and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer.
“DWI checkpoints act as a proactive measure to identify and remove impaired drivers from the road before they harm themselves or other drivers,” the NMSP said in a statement. “This incident is an example of why it is important for the New Mexico State Police to conduct DWI checkpoints throughout the year, around the state.”
