Drunk Driver Claims Whiskey Bottle Was “Ankle Monitor” Goes Nuts After Crash

Albuquerque –

On May 12, 2025, at approximately 6:10PM, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Wyoming Blvd and Hilton Ave in reference to a traffic collision involving two vehicles. Dispatchers advised officers that a physical altercation appeared to be occurring at the scene with the person A dispatcher told officers that bystanders were holding the driver down so he did not flee the scene.

ABQ RAW received video from a witness that shows the drunk driver trying to escape from Good Samaritans holding him down until police arrived. A witness claims Saavedra referred to the Fireball whiskey in his sock as his “ankle monitor.“

According to the criminal complain, officers arrived and observed a visibly agitated male on the sidewalk, later identified as Luciano Saavedra of Albuquerque. He was cursing loudly at bystanders and exhibiting signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. While speaking with him, officers observed a small, empty bottle of Fireball whiskey fall from his sock.

Witnesses on scene stated that a “wasted man,” identified as Saavedra, had rear-ended another vehicle at a higher rate of speed. According to the witness, Saavedra attempted to flee the scene on foot, but multiple bystanders tackled him and physically restrained him until law enforcement arrived.

Saavedra seemed angry that his mobile ankle monitor drinking party was coming to an end. He refused to cooperate with officers and give his identity. He banged his head and spat on officers during his detainment. APD officers put headgear and a spit sock on him. This stopped the toddler tantrum.

In a not so shocking surprise, at the Prisoner Transport his tantrum continued and he banged his head against the breath test machine and officers were not able to get a blood alcohol level.

During transport, Saavedra made multiple statements about intending to harm himself. After being medically cleared, he stated to officers that he had consumed Fireball whiskey prior to driving, claiming “he only had a few sips.” Officers transported Saavedra to the Metropolitan Detention Center and booked him for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Concealing Identity.

Saavedra was released this morning by Judicial Officer Renee Torres.