Local man arrested for DWI, auto burglary

By ROB LARSON
Daily Press Staff Writer
Lawrence B. Grado, 19, of Artesia, was arrested early Saturday morning on charges of DWI, first offense; unlawful taking of a motor vehicle; minor allowing self to be served; reckless driving; and driving without a license.
At 3:38 a.m. Aug. 4, the Artesia Police Department received a call from dispatch in reference to an intoxicated subject driving away in a stolen vehicle from Southwest Body and Towing on First Street. The officers were advised that a young Hispanic male was attempting to steal a Baker Petrolite Corp. chemical truck. … For the rest of the story, subscribe in print and on the web.
Upon arrival, the arresting officer noticed a Baker Hughs truck pulling off of the street and into the parking lot of Chapz Bar and Grill. When the officer tried to make contact with the driver, the truck attempted to flee by heading northbound on First Street but stopped the vehicle soon after.
At gunpoint, the arresting officer then told the driver, Grado, to exit the truck. After getting out, Grado allegedly told authorities he was told by “Margarito” to move the truck.
The officer then noticed Grado had “a strong odor of intoxicant,” his eyes were blood shot, and his speech was slurred. Grado reportedly said he had only had two drinks.
Grado was then given three sobriety tests: the horizontal eye gaze, the walk and turn, and the one-leg stand.  Grado failed all three tests. Upon being subjected twice to a Breathalyzer test, it was determined Grado had a 0.15 blood alcohol content on both.