Albuquerque –
On May 3rd, 2025, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office conducted a much needed DWI Checkpoint near Unser and Rainbow NW. An off-duty Albuquerque Police Department Aviation Department officer Jonathan Franco pulled up to the DWI Checkpoint.
According to the criminal complaint, a BCSO deputy made contact with Franco and could immediately
smell the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Franco’s breath as Franco spoke with him. The deputy noted that he could see that Franco had blood shot and watery eyes along with the distinct oder of alcohol.
When asked if he had drank anything, he gave the typical New Mexico drunk driver answer and said one or two beers.
The complaint goes on to say, the deputy observed a six-year-old in a car seat inside Franco’s truck. Franco agreed to submit to testing, Franco submitted two breath samples that were at/above .08 BAC. The complaint does not say who picked up his child.
The Albuquerque Police Department released a statement from APD Police Chief Harold Medina:
“We are disappointed that this officer made a bad choice and there are many rideshare options for people to avoid drinking and driving.”
Franco was charged with DWI first offense and DWI with a minor in the vehicle.
This is the second law enforcement officer to be arrested on suspicion of drunk driving since Friday.
On Friday, May 2, a New Mexico State Police officer was arrested after an alleged DWI crash in Rio Rancho. Sandoval County deputies responded to a collision incident where the off-duty NMSP officer fled the scene. He was identified as Hugo Diaz Amaya. He was placed on administrative leave.
[…] According to the criminal complaint, a BCSO deputy made contact with Franco and could immediately smell the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Franco’s breath as Franco spoke with him. The deputy noted that he could see that Franco had blood shot and watery eyes along with the distinct odor of alcohol. More Here […]