Clara Garcia
Albuquerque Journal
EL CERRO MISSION, N.M. — A volunteer Meadow Lake firefighter was arrested Thursday night on suspicion of drunken driving after the tanker truck he was driving rolled while en route to a structure fire.
Leopoldo Gutierrez, 23, is being held in the Valencia County Adult Detention Center on a count of aggravated DWI. His bond has been set at $7,500 cash or surety.
Gutierrez and firefighter Fred Arleth, 49, were responding to a structure fire in El Cerro Mission when the crash occurred.
Gutierrez was traveling on Van Camp at an unknown speed and attempted to turn on Bonita Vista when the tanker truck overturned, landing in a field about 50 yards from the road, sheriff’s deputy Ed Chavez said.
Valencia County Fire Chief Charles Eaton said Gutierrez and Arleth suffered injuries, including cuts and bruises. Arleth also suffered a dislocated shoulder.
“During the interview with deputies, he (Gutierrez) was asked if he had been drinking,” Chavez said. “He said he had a hot toddy and had taken some cold medicine.”
Asked whether he would take a breath test or submit to a blood test, Gutierrez refused, the deputy said.
Eaton said Gutierrez has been placed on suspension from the Meadow Lake fire department.
His future with the county fire service will be determined by the outcome of an investigation and criminal charges.
The fire chief said the tanker truck sustained a considerable amount of damage. Eaton said he won’t know whether the vehicle can be repaired until an insurance adjuster investigates.
Copyright 2008 Albuquerque Journal