@Copwatchtv obtained lapel footage from Chaves County Sheriff’s department of Lea County’s Chief Deputy District Attorney, Jonathan Michael Thomas, 34, being arrested on aggravated DWI charges and negligent use of a deadly weapon. The criminal complaint states that callers called emergency dispatch to report a male sitting outside his vehicle. At some point the Thomas began driving into oncoming traffic. Thomas was found at a rest area when deputies arrived on scene.
Deputies noticed Thomas sitting in the driver seat and noticed an odor of alcohol emitting from the vehicle. The ciminal complaint mentions they saw blood shot watery eyes and he had slurred speech.
Thomas notified deputies that he had a firearm on his waistband and that it was unloaded. Officers are shown removing the firearm from his person. Deputies asked if he would do a field sobriety test and he refused. He was placed under arrest and read his rights and read the implied consent as required for suspicion of drunk driving.
Thomas refused to answer any questions from deputies about his involvement in the alleged crime. His court hearing date in the state of New Mexico is pending.
