Featured DWI
Morgan Sterling
Jan. 27, 3:19 pm
Aggravated DWI (Third)
Staff at a Thoreau gas station called and reported a suspected drunk driver, leading to Thoreau man, Morgan Sterling, 48, being arrested and charged with his third DWI.
McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Miguel Bittony was dispatched to Shamrock Gas in Thoreau after Metro Dispatch advised of a driver and passenger of a white Ford Expedition appearing intoxicated at the gas pump. Bittony arrived at the scene and found a vehicle matching the caller description about to pull out of the station.
Bittony pulled the vehicle over and conducted a traffic stop. He met the driver, Sterling, and asked for his information. However, Sterling was reportedly uncooperative with his command, repeatedly stating he “pleads the fifth” when asked for his full name. Sterling also showed signs of intoxication including smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, and appearing to urinate on himself.
Sterling exited the vehicle and reportedly had trouble maintaining his balance. He initially agreed to take the Standard Field Sobriety Tests but then refused, during which he stated he drank two 12-oz. Hurricanes and a half-pint of Importers Vodka. A search of his person also revealed a pipe with marijuana.
After being placed under arrest, Sterling refused to give a breath sample and said to just take him to jail. He was transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for aggravated DWI (third), suspended/revoked license, and no insurance or registration. His pretrial hearing is scheduled for March 12.
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Age: 31
Arrested: Jan. 25
Charge: Aggravated DWI (Second)
Status: Pretrial hearing on Feb. 29
Name: Carlton Sandoval
Age: 42
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Charge: DWI
Status: Pretrial hearing on Feb. 27
Name: Katarina Rochelle Plummer
Age: 29
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Charge: Aggravated DWI
Status: Pretrial hearing on Feb. 13
Name: David Guillermo
Age: 47
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Charge: DWI
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Age: 44
Arrested: Jan. 22
Charge: DWI
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Name: Timothy David Yazzie
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Charge: Aggravated DWI (Second)
Status: Sentenced to community service, fines, DWI school, interlock device on Jan. 18
Staff Reports
