By Roger Lanse

The Grant County Regional Dispatch Authority on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at about 5:15 p.m., notified the Grant County Sheriff's Office a caller advised a car was stopped in the middle of W. Highway 180 near Table Butte Road and caller believed the driver to be drunk. The caller also stated alcoholic beverage bottles were in the driver's white SUV and 'alcohol bottles' were being thrown out of the vehicle. A deputy was dispatched and arrived at the scene at MM 94 (1 mile west of Mangas) at approximately 5:30 p.m.

According to a GCSO offense report, witnesses told the deputy the driver, later identified as Adalberto Chavez Steen, 36, of Reserve, appeared to be stumbling walking to his vehicle. One witness also said, an unidentified male arrived, prior to the deputy's arrival, and helped the driver move the SUV to the shoulder and threw out some 'alcohol bottles.' The witnesses also stated they were able to grab Steen's keys from his SUV to keep him from driving away.

When the deputy arrived on scene, he asked Steen to exit his vehicle, but Steen refused to comply instead reaching around in the vehicle for his oxygen tube, placing it on his face and saying he needed oxygen. According to the report, the deputy noted Steen's bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and an alcoholic odor coming from his person. When asked, "How much have you had to drink tonight? Steen replied, "Nothing."

Refusing to comply with the deputy's commands to step out of the vehicle, Steen resisted being removed and was placed on the ground and handcuffed. He continued to resist, according to the report, while being placed in investigative detention.

Other deputies arrived and secured empty vodka and beer bottles from the SUV and from the side of the highway where they had been thrown. The report stated that Steen was provided his oxygen tank that he was requesting and that he continued to argue.

EMS was requested by deputies due to the use of force in getting Steen out of his vehicle and handcuffed. EMS personnel evaluated Steen and advised he was okay and did not need further medical attention. Steen was transported to Gila Regional Medical Center by deputies and was medically cleared by the hospital, the report said. He was booked into the Grant County Detention Center, charged with aggravated driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drug; resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer; and, open container.

According to GCDC staff, Steen was released the next day, Dec. 1, on a $1,000 unsecured bond out of Judge Grijalva's court.