Farmington, NM – Farmington police arrested 30-year-old Laurence Pine of Farmington on his 16th DUI. On December 31 at approximately 7:11 p.m. officers were dispatched to Hastings in reference to a possible domestic violence situation. Officers learned that the male half of the dispute had left the scene, was under the influence of alcohol and had two young children in the vehicle with him. The vehicle had also hit a parked car before leaving and heading west on 20th Street. Officers immediately issued an attempt to locate for the vehicle. Dispatch received reports that the vehicle was seen traveling west on Main Street and was “all over the road” as it approached the area of Safeway West. Officers located the vehicle at a gas station on Murray Drive and Bisti Highway and made contact with the driver, who was identified as Laurence Pine. Two children, ages eight and 11, were also in the vehicle. Officers learned that Pine was the father of both children and had repeatedly kicked and hit them while they were in the vehicle.
Officers conducted a DUI investigation and subsequently arrested and charged Pine with DUI, two counts of child abuse, open container, failure to maintain traffic lanes, driving while license revoked and possession of drug paraphernalia. A warrant was obtained for a blood draw to determine Pine’s blood alcohol level and he was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center. While he was there, Pine fled from officers. He was additionally charged with escape from custody. Pine is being held on a $200,000 bond.