SANTA FE, NM — New Mexico State Police NMSP arrested 44-year-old Jimmie Yazzie on his fifth DWI charge following a dramatic pursuit on Interstate 40 earlier this week.
The incident began on November 18, 2024, at approximately 9:30 PM, when officers conducting a welfare check noticed Yazzie urinating on the roadside near I-40. When officers approached, Yazzie fled in his vehicle, ignoring police commands.
At the time of the incident, Yazzie was on parole for four prior DWI convictions, and authorities had issued a “Be On the Lookout” BOLO alert for his vehicle.
Yazzie was later located at a gas station, where he again resisted police efforts to detain him. Officials report that he attempted to escape by pinning an officer between his vehicle and a gas pump before speeding away onto the highway.
The pursuit continued until officers successfully executed stop maneuvers. Yazzie then fled on foot but was apprehended shortly thereafter. He admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the incident.
Yazzie faces multiple charges, including DWI, aggravated assault on a peace officer, aggravated fleeing, resisting or evading an officer, and various traffic violations. He is currently in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.