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Artesia Police Department officers work to clear the scene of a two-vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon on South First Street that led to a DWI arrest. The wreck occurred at approximately 1:15 p.m. when a blue Ford Ranger pulled out from a stop sign at Bullock Avenue into the path of a black Dodge pickup heading southbound on First Street. Upon arrival on the scene, officers observed a strong odor of alcohol on the driver of the Ford, as well as a beer can lying on the ground near his feet. The driver, identified as Curtis Briscoe, reportedly stated he had consumed several drinks that day. Briscoe consented to both field sobriety and breathalyzer tests on the scene, failing both, the latter with a blood-alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit. He was subsequently arrested and charged with DUI. Both drivers sustained minor injuries in the wreck. Teresa Lemon – Daily Press
