Officer faces DWI charges

Rio Rancho police arrested the head of the Santa Fe Police Department's Internal Affairs Division early Sunday morning and charged him with aggravated drunken driving, according to a police report.

[Ralph]

Refused, then requested an alcohol test? Yup...burn away some time!

A DWI cop, and RRDPS did what they are expected to do....good on them!

[Fred Fielding]

WOW! This dirtbag knows EVERY trick in the book and is using them. Remember the average DRUNK drives DRUNK hundreds of times before he gets caught driving DRUNK (it's the law of averages). However he will probably get away with is as SANTA FE (and really most of NEW MEXICOI is incredibly corrupt (look at your governor).

[Interesting]

Yeah, the SFPD arrested a firefighter for DWI in Santa Fe on Saturday morning, looks like public safety is falling apart

[GMB]

It is TIME to start taking notes and keeping judges and the police management ACCOUNTABLE.
I am highly concerned that we are so fat and dumb that we're unable to organize...we are losing the battles before they begin....look at the Iranians, they are out there fighting for wha's important to them, us...not so much! UNITE and STAND-UP!!! let's get the SCUM out of the system.

[And it]

...just keeps getting worse and worse. Santa Fe has become the poster child for DWI in this state. This state is the poster child for DWI in this country. I know Richardson loves publicity and the spotlight but come on Big Bill. You have to do something about this besides cheesy commercials.

[i wonder]

if he'll get to keep his job like the undersherriff does

[Uprise]

Did Erick Estrada show up for this one?
That's the only thing I want to know!

[easydoesit]

He needs to be out of this job. And into treatment a.s.a.p. And that would be treatment in state that actually provides good treatment - not New Mexico.

[Rita_S]

Why are drunk drivers allowed to refuse the breatalizer test? This needs to be changed. If the arresting officer observes signs of alcohol consumption, he/she should get a warrant immediately and get a blood sample drawn. It is ridculous that drunk drivers get away with their crime by refusing the breath test.

[Not Surprised]

I am SO not surprised! Steve Ryan is a hypocrite! A DRUNK hypocrite at that! He always has been! Where's the integrity for a man in a position like that? Do as I say and not as I do, huh Steve? You got what you deserved pal. Good riddance. Maybe your buddy Raye Byford will hire you up in Espanola! HA HA HA!!!

[Abc123]

And the Iranians think their government is corrupt?!?!

[Not Surprised]

Rita_S wrote:

Why are drunk drivers allowed to refuse the breatalizer test? This needs to be changed. If the arresting officer observes signs of alcohol consumption, he/she should get a warrant immediately and get a blood sample drawn. It is ridculous that drunk drivers get away with their crime by refusing the breath test.

Unfortunately, there's this thing that's called the U.S. Constitution that prohibits the cops from taking evidence without a warrant. For a misdemeanor DWI, there are no "exigent circumstances" to request a warrant, therefore they can refuse. If the judge looks at all of the circumstances and the fact that he refused, he can lock him up for a year because refusing the test makes the charge "aggravated". He can also lose his license for a year and potentially have to get an interlock installed for a year too.

I wonder if the SFPD will install an interlock device on Steve Ryan's unit? Don't sweat it too hard, Steve. Danny Ramirez got two DWI'sas a cop, one in a unit! The major at the sheriff's office got one too and he still has a job! They might hook you up! Oh wait, you already got hooked up in Rio Rancho, huh?

[Cynic]

easydoesit wrote:

He needs to be out of this job. And into treatment a.s.a.p. And that would be treatment in state that actually provides good treatment - not New Mexico.

You keep posting about treatment in NM like you have nay idea of what you're talking about.

Ever heard of RAP? Didn't think so.

Please, 12 step programs are nothing but court-ordered religious indoctrination, so unless you have a real idea, then stop beating the 'treatment' drum.

[Luisa]

I feel compassion for this individual because (and I speak from experience) alcohol dependency/addiction is a disease, and it is crippling. It may look absurd to the outsider, but to the person involved, it is horrible and can make one behave in a manner that appears 'insane'. I just hope that this officer who has such an "incredible work ethic" is given the chance to go into treatment, and to have a second shot at what seems to be a good career.

[Upset RR mother]

I know the family and I am truly feel sorry for his daughter because not only has she had to deal with the recent divorce of her parents, she now has to deal with her dad being arrested for drinking. Shame on you Lt. Ryan, shame on you.

[Cynic]

Luisa wrote:

I feel compassion for this individual because (and I speak from experience) alcohol dependency/addiction is a disease, and it is crippling. It may look absurd to the outsider, but to the person involved, it is horrible and can make one behave in a manner that appears 'insane'. I just hope that this officer who has such an "incredible work ethic" is given the chance to go into treatment, and to have a second shot at what seems to be a good career.

Wait... So, we have people screaming for the execution of Scott Owens and you're willing to just brush this guy under the rug because he's a cop?

Hypocrisy at its finest. What ever happened to taking responsibility for one's actions?

Grow the F--k up. We're all participating in the same society, under the same laws. This man was a POLICE OFFICER which means that he is much more acutely aware of those laws, since it's his job to enforce them.

What confidence should the citizens of this city, county, or state have in their law enforcement, if they are not both held to a higher standard and held to account for their actions.

DWI should be a cause for immediate termination of any law enforcement officer. Don't give us excuses. Responsible adults don't do it!! If you drink and drive, you are NOT a responsible adult, and should not be allowed to drive, let alone enforce the law!!!

[Tagerit]

Not Surprised wrote:

I am SO not surprised! Steve Ryan is a hypocrite! A DRUNK hypocrite at that! He always has been! Where's the integrity for a man in a position like that? Do as I say and not as I do, huh Steve? You got what you deserved pal. Good riddance. Maybe your buddy Raye Byford will hire you up in Espanola! HA HA HA!!!

Don't know the man, but headhunters generally feel superior and act as if their sh** don't stink. Perhaps a regular change in duties is needed.

[Big Bill]

And it wrote:

...just keeps getting worse and worse. Santa Fe has become the poster child for DWI in this state. This state is the poster child for DWI in this country. I know Richardson loves publicity and the spotlight but come on Big Bill. You have to do something about this besides cheesy commercials.

Big Bill is all sizzle and no steak. He calls himself the DWI Czar, the Education Czar and these are two areas in this state that absolutely are horrific. He has not improved our state in almost eight years, and in fact, has made it worse in many ways. That is too bad because I voted for him and thought, for a while at least, that we had the best governor around. Now all I see is corruption that he is the head of. Guess I am not too surprised he was born in Mexico.

[Raye Byford]

Not Surprised wrote:

I am SO not surprised! Steve Ryan is a hypocrite! A DRUNK hypocrite at that! He always has been! Where's the integrity for a man in a position like that? Do as I say and not as I do, huh Steve? You got what you deserved pal. Good riddance. Maybe your buddy Raye Byford will hire you up in Espanola! HA HA HA!!!

I normally don't waste my time reading the immature remarks and comments that come from cowards and fools such as yourself. Lt. Steve Ryan is obviously one of your fellow officers that you now have the chance to bash, but hide behind some fictious name. You are right about one thing, Steve is a friend of mine and always will be. Regardless of his mistake, he is a good person and will have to suffer the consequences of his decision. His career was distinguished and now tarnished. Someday you may suffer yourself through some thoughtless action. A person of true integrity would wish/hope for the best for him in his time of need and at the same time understanding justice will have to take it's course. Police officers are held to a higher standard and rightfully so, however, there is no place for the silly, ridiculous comments from you and those like you. I hope you are "not surprised" by my comments! If you truly know who I am and about me, then you realize that I would indeed be man enough to tell you what you are in person!

[david warner]

well we all know what they do when an official drinks and drives, but do you all know what the law enforcement does in a shooting and killing investigation. go to lincoln county if you want to get away with murder. PAUL HARVEY RIP Paul.