Police sergeant arrested for DWI

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) – A 21-year veteran of the Albuquerque Police Department is off the streets after being charged with a DWI, a city spokesperson confirmed Monday.

Sgt. Richard Guzman was placed on desk duty at the Animal Welfare department following his Feb. 7 arrest.

The Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputy who pulled Guzman over early Sunday morning said he blew a .11 and admitted he'd been drinking at a friend's house.

A witness or witnesses reported a truck driving on the shoulder and swerving going southbound on Interstate 25.

The deputy who responded to the call said he saw a truck with its hazards on just south of the Rio Bravo ramp, and that he found Guzman passed out behind the wheel. The deputy said he could smell alcohol.

The deputy said in a police report that Guzman failed several field sobriety tests and he saw Guzman "sway and wobble."

The deputy arrested him, but KRQE News 13 wasn't able to obtain Guzman's mug shot because the deputy did not book him into jail.

Instead, Guzman was released later that morning to someone who could drive him home.

A BCSO spoksperson said the arresting deputy did nothing wrong and that deputies can release someone after a DWI under their own discretion.

Deputy Lawrence Koren said Guzman was not given special treatment and that the deputy followed procedure.

"I'd say no, that it was the officer's discretion," Koren said. "A complete investigation was done, it was a misdemeanor and the deputy has the discretion to do that...and it's not going to avoid any prosecution.

"Mr. Guzman will be prosecuted."

The sheriff said sometimes police officers and deputies aren't booked into jail because of concerns for their safety.

A court date hasn't been set yet for Guzman.