N.M. Police Say Drunk Man Allegedly Told Stepson, 14, to Drive

Jan. 10, 2012
After pulling over a speeding vehicle on San Mateo this morning, police discovered the driver was only 14-years-old.

Jan. 09--After pulling over a speeding vehicle on San Mateo this morning, police discovered the driver was only 14-years-old.

Sitting in the front passenger seat was the boy's stepfather, Juan Quiroz, who was apparently intoxicated, according to police. In the backseat was the boy's mother and his 5-year-old sibling.

Police said the boy told them his stepfather was "too drunk" and asked him to drive.

Albuquerque Police Department spokesman Rob Gibbs said the mother had a valid driver's license and could have driven the car. He said when the officer asked her why she was not driving, she told him that the stepdad would not let her.

Quiroz has been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and will also be charged with permitting an unlicensed minor to drive. The mother, whose name was not immediately available, was charged with child endangerment.

The boy was given a ticket for speeding and no driver's license.

Both children were turned over to the mother.

Suggested Reading:

-- Drunk Uncle's 11-year-old Nephew Fails Driving Test 04/19/2010

-- Las Cruces Man Accused of Driving Drunk With 1-Year-Old in Car 12/15/2010

-- Police: Man Driving Drunk with Kids 12/06/2009

-- Mom Suspected of Drunk Driving Arrested For Child Abuse 05/01/2010

-- Police Say Firefighter Was Driving Drunk 12/29/2011

-- Email the reporter at [email protected]. Call the reporter at 505-823-3965

Copyright 2012 - Albuquerque Journal, N.M.

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