A recent incident at a Whataburger drive-thru in Albuquerque has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of impaired driving. Caleb McVey was found unconscious in his vehicle, blocking the drive-thru line, prompting a response from the Albuquerque Police Department.
On February 10, officers were dispatched to the fast food establishment after security reported a vehicle obstructing traffic for approximately 30 minutes. Upon arrival, officers observed McVey slumped over in his truck, with his behavior raising immediate concerns about his well-being. Despite signs of impairment, including slurred speech and difficulty responding to questions, McVey denied consuming alcohol or drugs that night.
The officers attempted to determine whether McVey was experiencing a medical emergency or if he was under the influence. They insisted he step out of the vehicle for further assessment. When questioned about his state, McVey continued to assert that he had not been drinking. However, after an extended interaction, during which he struggled to communicate and follow instructions, officers decided to administer a field sobriety test.
This arrest marked McVey’s fourth DWI incident within a year. His previous arrests included driving the wrong way on a one-way street and being found in possession of illegal substances. Previous charges against him had been dropped due to a larger federal investigation into the Albuquerque DWI unit, which has faced scrutiny for dismissing over 200 cases, including McVey’s prior arrests.
As police sought to assess McVey’s condition, they noted that he appeared to be under the influence of drugs based on his physical responses. Ultimately, after failing the sobriety tests, McVey was placed under arrest for driving under the influence.
Despite being initially cooperative, McVey became uncooperative when it came to calling someone to retrieve his vehicle. Officers suggested he could either go to the hospital or to jail, leading to confusion and frustration on his part. Eventually, he opted for medical attention, but this decision came after significant deliberation about the fate of his truck.
The incident raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current measures to combat impaired driving, particularly regarding repeat offenders like McVey. His case highlights a concerning trend in Albuquerque, where repeated DWI offenses have prompted calls for reform within the local law enforcement and judicial systems.
Following the February incident, McVey was charged with driving under the influence, and despite his previous charges being dismissed, he pleaded guilty to other DWI charges earlier this year stemming from a separate arrest in March 2024. The situation underscores the seriousness of impaired driving and the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing habitual offenders.
As the community continues to grapple with the implications of such incidents, discussions surrounding preventive measures and stricter enforcement of DWI laws are likely to remain at the forefront of public discourse.
