Couple Arrested for DWI after Pursuit & Roadblock

Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 8:43 PM

The suspect continued driving at a slow speed towards a busy intersection. The second State Police officer knew if the driver did not stop, and entered the intersection, the vehicle would likely be hit by traffic traveling in the opposite direction and the children would sustain serious and potentially life threatening injuries. Just before the vehicle entered the intersection, the second State Police officer made the decision to place his marked patrol unit in the path of the suspects' vehicle to prevent it from entering the intersection. The suspect did not stop and impacted the State Poli

From NM State Police:

On January 11, 2018 at approximately 8:00 p.m. New Mexico State Police dispatchers received several calls reporting a possible drunk driver in Farmington driving a grey Chevy passenger car. One of the callers was following the suspect vehicle with their flashers on relaying to dispatch that the vehicle was swerving in and out of the lanes. Two New Mexico State Police officers spotted the vehicle on San Juan Blvd in Farmington. The officers turned on their lights and sirens but the driver refused to stop. The driver slowed to about five miles an hour but still refused to stop. The second State Police officer pulled up beside the vehicle and could see that there were three small children in the back seat.

No one was injured in the incident. The driver, Shelton Johnson (26) of Sanostee, NM was arrested for DWI and failing to stop for a police officer. Witnesses gave statements that the passenger of the vehicle Philleria Phillips (31) of Rock Point, AZ was driving the vehicle and switched seats with Mr. Johnson just minutes before State Police officers arrived. Ms. Phillips was also arrested and charged with DWI. The children were taken into custody by CYFD. This case remains under investigation and no additional information is available.

More from Local News

Durango Begins Water Restrictions

Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.
Candidates for San Juan County Sheriff Speak with KSJE

All four republican candidates for San Juan County Sheriff have sat down for an interview with KSJE General Manager Scott Michlin.
Police ID Suspect and Officers involved in Hines Rd. Shooting

Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them. During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.
2 Year Old Reunited with Father, Mother Arrested

A complex investigation began, tracking Ms. Salazar across multiple states with cooperation from several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, that concluded last week when Ms. Salazar was arrested on her warrant and the child was returned to New Mexico where he is now with Mr. West.
Candidates File to Run in the NM June 2nd Primary

These candidates have filed to run in the New Mexico Primary on June 2, 2026. We are only listing candidates in CONTESTED races.
Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.