GALLUP, N.M. (KRQE) – A New Mexico State Police officer is on administrative leave after getting arrested for drunk driving and she didn’t make it easy for her fellow law enforcement officers. She refused to listen to them, requiring drastic measures to get her out of her car.
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On patrol near Gallup, a McKinley County Sheriff’s deputy noticed an SUV going the wrong way. When it turned onto Highway 66 on February 27, the deputy watched as the vehicle hit a curb, popping two tires and decided to pull it over.
But the driver, later identified as New Mexico State Police Officer Rachel Hall, refused.
Deputy: “How much alcohol have you had tonight?”
Hall: “Nothing.”
Deputy: “So why are you slurring?”
Hall: “I’m not slurring.”
Deputy: “Go ahead and step out of the vehicle for me okay?”
Hall: “Negative. Negative.”
The deputy called for backup and ordered her out of the SUV again. Hall told him she was making a phone call to her sergeant.
Deputy: “Oh don’t care who you’re calling. Step out of the car. I will break the window.”
That’s exactly what happened when backup arrived a short time later.
Deputy: “Break it. Break it.”
Hall: “Sarge. Do you hear this?”
Deputy: “Step out.”
Hall:”Sarge. Sarge. Sarge.”
The deputy found an open bottle of vodka in Hall’s vehicle. Hall was arrested and refused to take a breath test. NMSP has placed her on administrative leave. She pled not guilty to five charges including aggravated DWI.