N.M. Sheriff To Deputy: Release DWI Suspect

A New Mexico sheriff's deputy refused his sheriff's order to release a drunk-driving suspect, causing an angry brawl that was captured by another deputy in an audio recording.

In the recording, Mora County Sheriff Thomas Garza fires Dep. Lee Allingham, who refuses to release Patrick Trujillo, who is an acquaintance of the sheriff. Trujillo had failed a field sobriety test, reports KRQE .

Sheriff Garza can be heard saying, "I can do what I want. Nobody can tell me what to do."

In the arrest report, the sheriff acknowledges he could smell alcohol on Trujillo's breath, and ordered the release to show his deputies that he was the boss.

Listen to the full audio recording here .