Sunland Park police officer’s body camera catches when alleged drunk driver hits him
Sunland Park Police have arrested an alleged drunk driver police say ran over an officer’s foot.
Police say the alleged drunk driver also hit a squad car and led police on a chase before being caught. The officer’s body camera captured the entire incident. Watch the video by clicking the video above.
Police identified the suspect as 41-year-old Jaime Sandate of Sunland Park, New Mexico.
Police tell ABC-7 they’ve had run-ins with Sandate before. Officials say Thursday, Sandate was charged with aggravated battery on a household member.
Shortly before 8 p.m., Lt. Arturo Holguin spotted a driver weaving near Lura Street in Sunland Park. He said Sandate was allegedly driving under the influence.
As Holguin followed Sandate he quickly realized he was not going to stop but the officer caught a break when Sandate ended up in a cul-de-sac with no where to go.
Holguin got off of his car to continue the traffic stop and that’s when Sandate allegedly backed up and drove over the officers foot and drove off.
“I actually ran into him on Ross Street and McNutt Road and that’s where he hit the front of my car,” Police Chief Jaime Reyes said.
Several officers, including Reyes followed Sandate into downtown El Paso but decided to end the chase.
The police chief said Sandate pulled onto Oregon Street, where there were several buses arriving at the bus station and several people walking in the street.
“He was just kind of going in circles and it was one of those we know who he is and we decided to quite the persuit instead of hurting someone else that’s in the public,” Reyes said.
As for Holguin, officials say he’s doing OK.
“No broken bones at this point. He has a sprained ankle and he’s got some bruises on his body from the toss. He’s in good spirits. He wants to come back to work and try to catch this guy if we can find him,” said Reyes.
Sandate is being charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery and evading arrest.
He is being held at the Dona Ana County detention facility on a $1 million bond.
