State police officer arrested, charged with 3rd DWI

Albuquerque police say a state officer has been picked up on his third drunk driving charge.

New Mexico State Police confirmed 32-year-old officer Morgan Ortiz is on paid administrative leave during the criminal case and an internal affairs investigation.

Ortiz was arrested last Friday after officers say he crashed into a parked car at the MATS Detox Program. According to police reports, he was too drunk to be arrested and was instead taken to a hospital.

KOAT – the ABC News affiliate in Albuquerque – obtained police lapel video allegedly showing Ortiz inside the hospital. In the video, Ortiz is overheard saying, “This is ridiculous, man. I’m an officer of the law.” A police officer responds, “Act like it,” and reminds Ortiz he is being recorded. Ortiz allegedly responds, “F*** you, dude. F*** you.”

Ortiz graduated from the police academy in December 2015. State Police Chief Pete Kassetas says Ortiz had two DWI convictions from before his 21st birthday but was put through psychological and medical tests before he was hired. Kassetas called the incident “unfortunate” and says Ortiz was trying to get treatment at the detox center.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.