Quick Thinking Officers Keep DUI Driver From Harming Others

Jessie Huslloimea

On Sunday, June 29th, 2014, at approximately 5:15 PM, Mesa Patrol Officers Smith and Phillips were dispatched to a man passed out at the wheel of a car at 9th Ave and Mesa Dr.  Upon their arrival, they located a red Chevy Impala parked on 9th Ave facing W/B towards Mesa Dr. The driver, later identified as 24 year-old Jessie Huslloimea, was completely unresponsive and the vehicle was still in DRIVE with the engine running. Officer Phillips pulled his police Tahoe in front of the vehicle and Officer Smith pulled his police Tahoe to the rear of the vehicle boxing it in.

They knocked on the window and the driver attempted to accelerate, but fortunately was stopped by the police Tahoe. The driver refused to obey commands and continued trying to leave. Both front windows were broken by Officer Smith and Officer Phillips and the impaired driver was removed by force. He was taken into custody and Mesa Fire responded and medically cleared him. The driver smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot watery eyes, flush face and was belligerent.

He was arrested and booked into jail on DUI charges. This was an outstanding job by both officers who had limited time and came up with an effective plan which potentially saved the life of a citizen. If  not for Officer Phillips putting his police Tahoe in the path of the impaired driver's vehicle, the driver would have drove right out onto Mesa Drive, potentially causing a serious accident.

Great Job!  Way to keep our community safe!