1.Vehicle Contact at the DUI Checkpoint
Around 11:38 PM on July 5, 2025, Officer Costalano stationed at a DUI checkpoint observed a vehicle approaching with significant front-end damage, dragging its front bumper along the road.
The officer directed the 19-year-old female driver to step out of the car. A male passenger carrying a legally permitted firearm was also present inside the vehicle. For overall scene safety, law enforcement had both occupants cooperate with separate evaluations.
2.Observation of White Powder and Preliminary Questioning
As the driver entered the illuminated patrol zone:
- Physical Observations: The officer immediately noticed visible white powder residue beneath the driver’s nose. When the officer used a flashlight for a clearer view, the driver reached to wipe her face, prompting the officer to instruct her to keep her hands still.
- Vehicle Explanation: The driver stated she was commuting home toward Rio Rancho (roughly a 10-minute drive from the checkpoint). Regarding the damaged bumper, she explained that the accident occurred about a week prior and that she continued operating the car for daily transport.
- Health and Employment Background: She stated that she works full-time at a local gas station—a job requiring constant standing and heavy lifting—which contributed to back soreness following the earlier collision.
3.Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST)
To properly assess coordination, attention, and overall driving fitness, the officer administered standard field sobriety evaluations:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test: The officer instructed the driver to keep her feet together, hold her head steady, and track the tip of his finger with her eyes only. The driver repeatedly turned her entire head rather than moving only her eyes as instructed.
- Walk and Turn Test: Due to loose-fitting sandals, the officer allowed her to perform the evaluation barefoot. The procedure required taking nine heel-to-toe steps along a designated straight line, turning using a series of small steps, and returning with nine heel-to-toe steps while counting each step aloud.
4.Secondary Bodycam Segment: Disturbance at Murphy USA Gas Station
A secondary bodycam recording dated October 20, 2025 (around 10:14 PM) captures a separate field operation at a Murphy USA location:
- A female subject repeatedly exited her vehicle and showed reluctance to comply with instructions to remain seated inside.
- During the handcuffing procedure, the individual actively resisted, demanding access to her purse and mobile phone to contact legal counsel. Officers safely gained control and finalized standard detention protocols.