Sandoval County Deputy Placed on Leave After Aggravated DWI Arrest
A Sandoval County Sheriff's Office deputy was placed on administrative leave after an arrest for aggravated driving while intoxicated, following an incident in which he ran a red light and nearly caused a crash. The action matters locally because it removes an officer from patrol responsibilities while criminal and internal investigations proceed, affecting community safety oversight and departmental accountability.
The Sandoval County Sheriff's Office on December 15 placed a deputy on administrative leave after he was arrested on an aggravated driving while intoxicated charge. The deputy, identified as Kevin Saiz, was taken into custody in Albuquerque on December 7 and released with conditions pending his next court appearance.
Court documents show investigators allege Saiz was intoxicated while driving, ran a red light and nearly caused a crash. The documents state Saiz admitted to having a drink hours earlier, performed poorly on field sobriety tests and refused a breathalyzer test. Those findings led to the aggravated DWI charge that is now pending in court.
Sheriff Jesse James Casaus informed the public that Saiz would be prohibited from conducting law enforcement duties while a criminal investigation and an internal review are underway. The administrative leave removes Saiz from operational patrol and arrest powers, a routine step intended to preserve integrity during parallel investigations by the sheriff's office and prosecuting authorities.
For Sandoval County residents the case raises immediate questions about traffic safety, officer conduct and departmental oversight. The alleged running of a red light that nearly resulted in a collision highlights the risks motorists and pedestrians face when impaired driving occurs on county roads. The sheriff's decision to bar the deputy from duty while investigations proceed is a signal that the department is treating the allegations as serious and that it will follow internal procedures alongside the criminal justice process.
The deputy remains free under conditions set at release, and court schedules will determine the next legal steps. The outcome of the criminal case and the internal investigation will influence personnel decisions and any potential administrative discipline. Until those processes conclude, residents can expect limited public updates as officials balance transparency with the legal rights of the accused and the needs of ongoing inquiries.
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