Deputy Schanmier loads Herminio Maqueda of Corrigan into a patrol car.
Driver Too Intoxicated to Notice Police, LIVINGSTON, December 25, 2009 - Shortly before 10 am on December 25, 2009, Polk County Sheriff's Deputy Christian Schanmier was north-bound on US-59 in Goodrich when he spotted a vehicle that fit the description of a possible drunk driver that was called in to the Sheriff's Office. The vehicle was a white 2001 Ford Expedition driven by Herminio Maqueda, 56, of Corrigan. Schanmier turned on his lights and siren but Maqueda wouldn't stop. The chase proceeded for about 3 miles on 59 North. According to Schanmier, an alert civilian driver in front of Maqueda saw what was going on and slowed down in front of Maqueda and came to a stop. Schanmier was directly behind Maqueda so now Maqueda was boxed in and at a complete stop in front of Baskin's Department Store. Schanmier approached the vehicle with his gun drawn which is standard procedures in the event of a driver who refuses to stop. Schanmier stated to PolkCountyToday.com that, in addition to the alert civilian, another civilian came to offer assistance until Schanmier's reinforcements arrived. Schanmier pulled Maqueda from the vehicle. Maqueda was so drunk that he didn't even know that Schanmier was trying to get him to stop. Within a few minutes Officers Kevin Blackburn and Rob Atkins with the Livingston Police Department arrived along with Deputies Mike Nettles, Terry White, Sergeant Jason Paske, and DPS Trooper Darwon Evans. A search of the vehicle rendered a Remington 30/30, beer, and over $7,000 cash. Maqueda was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated and his passenger was arrested for public intoxication. A wrecker from Bounds Autoplex recovered Maqueda's vehicle.
Deputy Christan Schanmier wishes to thank the civilians who offered assistance and helped him in a potentially dangerous situation.
Polk County Sheriff's Deputies and Livingston Police searched the 2001 Ford Expedition that Maqueda was driving.
A Winchester 30/30 and beer was found...
...and over $7,000 cash (mostly in $100 bills).
Maqueda was nearly twice the legal limit of blood/alcohol level.
Maqueda's passenger was arrested for public intoxication.
Vehicle recovery specialist Jim Harwood arrived to tow Maqueda's vehicle.
If you would like to comment on this story, we'd love to hear from you. Your name will be listed with your comment when it's posted in the Letters to the editor.
