Las Cruces man charged with child abuse following DWI arrest
A Las Cruces man previously convicted for driving under the influence was charged with child abuse on Monday evening after police believe he consumed alcohol and drove from Alamogordo to Las Cruces with his girlfriend’s 8-year-old daughter along for the ride, according to Las Cruces Police officials.
Adrian Hernandez, 34, of the 2900 block of Dona Ana Road , was charged with one count each of intentional child abuse, aggravated driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, driving on a suspended or revoked license, and driving with no proof of insurance. Hernandez also was charged with driving with an open container, driving a vehicle with expired registration and one count of possession of marijuana.
Shortly before 11 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 8, a motorist traveling westbound on Highway 70 called 911 after spotting a maroon Pontiac Grand Am driving erratically, and nearly striking retaining walls and other vehicles as it headed into town.
A Las Cruces Police officer located the Grand Am on Main Street and conducted a traffic stop after the vehicle turned westbound on Madrid Avenue . As the officer approached the driver’s side door, he noticed Hernandez slumped over the center console and leaning toward the passenger seat that was occupied by an 8-year-old girl, later identified as the daughter of Hernandez’s girlfriend.
Police learned that earlier in the day Hernandez drove the young girl and his own daughter to Alamogordo . After dropping off his daughter with her mother in Alamogordo , Hernandez purchased a 40-ounce bottle of beer that he consumed as he drove back to Las Cruces with his girlfriend’s 8-year-old daughter as a passenger.
Prior to towing the Grand Am, officers also located an open 24-ounce bottle of beer and a small amount of marijuana inside the vehicle. A 40-ounce bottle of beer was also found near Hernandez’s vehicle.
Hernandez’s New Mexico driver’s license had been revoked on a previous conviction for driving under the influence. Hernandez was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center with bond set at $6,000.
Source: Las Cruces Police Department
