APD detective arrested for DWI

BERNALILLO (KRQE) - What started as a routine traffic stop for Sandoval County Sheriff's deputies, ended with the arrest of a fellow law enforcement officer.

Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Keith Elder says deputies arrested Albuquerque Police detective Edwin Linson for drunken driving early Saturday morning.

It happened at Giant on 550, west of I-25 in Bernalillo, Elder says.

Deputies stopped APD detective Linson at about 2:15 Saturday morning for speeding, but they soon suspected him of doing much more.

“During the course of our interview with Mr. Linson, our deputy found he had been drinking,” Elder says.

Elder says deputies did field sobriety tests but Linson refused a breathalyzer.

As deputies investigated, they noticed Linson was driving an unmarked APD car.

“One of the commanders from APD was contacted and he responded and picked up the police department’s vehicle and associated equipment," Elder said.

APD Chief Ray Schultz sent KRQE a statement saying, “[Linson] was immediately placed on leave and relieved of all of his duties. We are deeply saddened by his decisions and he will face the most serious of repercussions.”

Sources say Linson was not on duty when deputies arrested him though APD didn't confirm that.

Elder says the arrest of a fellow lawmen came as a surprise for deputies.

“Any time we charge another officer with any crimes, including a DWI, it is an unfortunate thing,” Elder said.

APD did not say what Linson's duties as a detective were or how long he had been working for the department.

Sandoval County says Linson faces charges for speeding and aggravated DWI.

Linson has bonded out since his arrest overnight.