Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested for Alleged DWI Refusal
A deputy with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office is facing serious allegations after refusing to take a breath test to spot intoxicated driving. The incident took place just after midnight on New Year’s Day 2024 at a driving while intoxicated checkpoint set up by New Mexico State Police.
According to court documents, Bernalillo County deputy Adrienne Seay, 43, was questioned after the smell of alcohol was detected inside her vehicle. Seay reportedly admitted to drinking glasses of wine before getting behind the wheel. Further, court documents show that she performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests conducted at the scene, leading to her arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Seay’s refusal to take a breath test persisted even after she was transported to the Albuquerque State Police Office and refused to provide breath samples for the investigation.
In response to the alleged DWI incident, Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen issued a statement expressing deep concern over the deputy’s actions. Sheriff Allen emphasized the department’s commitment to upholding the law and ensuring public safety, calling the deputy’s actions a betrayal of that trust. The deputy has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
Sheriff Allen also pointed to New Mexico’s alarming statistics on DWI fatalities, stressing the importance for law enforcement officers to set an example in combating this entirely preventable crime. He offered sincere apologies to the community for the incident and thanked the New Mexico State Police for their professionalism in handling the matter.
Additionally, Sheriff Allen reaffirmed the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office’s dedication to combating DWI in the community and upholding the law without prejudice or favor.
The deputy’s refusal to take a breath test has raised serious concerns and has prompted an internal investigation. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office’s response to the incident represents its commitment to addressing and preventing drunk driving in the community.
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