Albuquerque, New Mexico – A suspected impaired driver allegedly fled an Albuquerque DWI checkpoint, triggering a pursuit across city roadways.
According to New Mexico State Police, officers conducted a sobriety checkpoint Friday night, March 6, near the I-25 northbound frontage road and Camino De Salud in Albuquerque.
During the checkpoint, authorities say a black Kia accelerated through the stopping area, ignoring officers’ commands and nearly striking another vehicle. Police say the driver then fled the scene, leading officers on a pursuit through Albuquerque streets.
According to New Mexico State Police, the vehicle ran multiple red lights before eventually stopping on eastbound Interstate 40 near Carlisle Boulevard.
During what police described as a felony stop, officers said the driver allegedly attempted to switch seats with a passenger while repeatedly claiming to be armed and refusing commands.
After nearly 15 minutes of attempts to de-escalate the situation, officers safely took the suspect into custody with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department, authorities said.
Police identified the driver as 22-year-old Juan Torres.
According to state police, Torres allegedly showed clear signs of intoxication, had an open container inside the vehicle, refused chemical testing, and was discovered to have an active felony warrant.
Torres was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on multiple charges, including:
- Aggravated DWI (refusal)
- Aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer
- Resisting/obstructing
- Open container
- No driver’s license
- Concealing identity
- Outstanding felony probation warrant
According to New Mexico State Police, the checkpoint was part of ongoing enforcement efforts aimed at reducing impaired driving and improving roadway safety across the Albuquerque metro area.
Such incidents can disrupt nighttime commuting routes, particularly for students and young workers traveling between central Albuquerque and nearby campuses.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook and support local independent news.
Have a tip? Message us. 🚨📰
