LCPD: Man driving drunk with two kids in car; open beer containers found in vehicle

Police said a man suspected of driving while intoxicated with two boys inside his car attempted to walk away from the car after he was pulled over by an officer.

Charles Joseph Apodaca, 26, of the 3900 block of Doña Ana Road, is charged with one count of Child Abuse and three misdemeanors, including Driving While Under the Influence, Driving While License Suspended or Revoked, and Operating a Motor Vehicle with an Open Container.

A Las Cruces police officer spotted a white Ford Focus strike a curb on north Telshor Boulevard at about 10 p.m. Sunday, July 22, 2018.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and the driver of the vehicle, identified by police as Apodaca, pulled into the parking lot of a local business.

As the officer pulled in behind the Focus, he observed Apodaca exit the vehicle and start walking away. “The officer gave commands for the man to stop, but he didn’t,” police said.

The officer was able to detain Apodaca and noticed a strong odor of alcohol. The officer then noticed a 10-year-old boy and a 3-year-old boy were riding in the Focus with Apodaca. The officer found an open can of beer in a cup holder and another open beer on the front passenger seat, police said.

As soon as Apodaca was arrested for DUI, police learned he was driving on a suspended or revoked driver’s license.

Apodaca was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he was initially held without bond.