State police officer accused of crashing into road signs while under the influence
May 5—A New Mexico State Police officer was allegedly under the influence of pain medicine when he was in two crashes in Rio Rancho on Friday.
Hugo Diaz Amaya, 33, of Rio Rancho, is charged with driving while under the influence of drugs, first offense, two counts of reckless driving and failure to give immediate notice of accidents. He was released on personal recognizance, according to court records.
Diaz Amaya's arrest is the second involving a police officer in two days. Albuquerque Police Officer Jonathan Franco was arrested at a DWI checkpoint on Saturday night.
Diaz Amaya was placed on administrative leave and "appropriate disciplinary action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation," NMSP Chief Troy Weisler said in a statement.
"I want to make it clear no one is above the law, especially those of us who have sworn to uphold it," Weisler said. "While my officers are human, and make mistakes, they are also held to a higher standard because of the trust placed in them by the community."
At 3:08 p.m. Friday, the Rio Rancho Police Department responded to a call for an agency assist.
When officers arrived, they found a crashed truck at the intersection of Enchanted Hills NE and Jaeger NE, according to a statement of probable cause filed in Sandoval County Magistrate Court.
Officers learned Diaz Amaya was involved in two crashes, police said. The first took place on U.S. 550 between N.M. 528 and Santa Ana Star Casino, where he drove onto oncoming traffic forcing another vehicle to swerve off the road, according to the statement of probable cause.
The second crash happened near New Mexico Bank and Trust in the 7800 block of Enchanted Hills, near N.M. 528, where he hit road signs and multiple curbs, police said.
Diaz Amaya told officers he crashed near the casino and did not stop because he did not have insurance; however, he denied crashing near the bank, the probable cause states.
Police said Diaz Amaya had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and almost fell over while walking. He told police he took medicine for back pain Thursday night, according to the statement of probable cause. Diaz Amaya then failed the standard field sobriety test, police said.
"I recognize that incidents like this can damage public confidence, and I will continue to stay committed to holding all my officers accountable for their actions," Weisler said. "His conduct does not reflect the values and integrity that define a New Mexico State Police officer. Those who tarnish this badge have no place in this agency."
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