By Mary Alice Murphy

Saturday afternoon, Francesca Estevez, 6th Judicial District Attorney, while traveling to Silver City, had a front right passenger tire rupture and blowout. As a result of this tire blowout the vehicle seemed to fishtail and swerved sharply to the left and then to the right. Estevez said she was eventually able to get control. She pulled over and noticed a man in a white pick-up, behind her. She was hopeful he would help her, however he kept going.

Estevez was able to bring the vehicle to a speed where it wasn't shaking and made it to town. She made contact with Ptl. Leticia Lopez for help. By that time the vehicle was parked. She then realized the extent of the tire damage. There was no vehicle damage nor did she sustain injuries.

The Silver City Police Department officers tried to change the tire but were unsuccessful The New Mexico State Police office called G&G who came and mounted the spare.

At no time was she informed that she was under investigation for DWI. She cooperated fully,and the officers spoke to her in close proximity. She was articulate and cooperative with the officers at the scene.The officers did not administer field sobriety test nor did they read the DWI card warning card. This incident was apparently a result of an unintended tire blow out.

Again there are no injuries to the vehicle or the tire rim except for the front right passenger tire damage. Estevez cooperated until told she was free to leave.