Call for investigation into Darren White

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) - Some Albuquerque city councilors say an independent investigator just won't do.

They want someone else to investigate a car crash involving the wife of the public safety director.  

The story broke Monday that Darren White went to the scene of the crash last week and took her away in his car for treatment at an urgent care.

White said he did nothing wrong and that he just did what any husband would do for his wife.

On Monday, Mayor Richard J. Berry ordered the city's independent review officer, Judge William Deaton, to handle the probe.  But several city councilors want someone other than the IRO with no ties to the city, perhaps from even out of the state.

The call for further investigation comes on the heels of questions about how White acted at the scene of his wife's crash.  Kathleen White told police her vision started to blur, which caused her to crash her car into a curb.

She also told officers she was taking two types of medication. 

Darren White rushed to the scene and took Kathleen to see a doctor after she refused to be transported by ambulance.  Doctors believe she had a seizure.

But there are several questions as to why Kathleen was not tested for drugs, even though the officer on scene believed she was impaired. 

A council committee will meet Friday to discuss hiring an outside firm.

"The IRO, while I respect Judge Deaton, I think he does a great job, it's just too close to home. We need to get answers and we need to do it in a way thats credible," said Councilor Debbie O'Malley.

"All the options will be on the table and we will hold everyone accountable," said Councilor Dan Lewis, who is not one of the councilors asking for an independent review.

Some councilors want to wait for Deaton to finish his investigation before hiring another investigator.  Lewis says the judge's report will be completed next week.

He added that the full council will make a decision on hiring an outside investigator when it meets on Aug. 1.