By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – Grandparents are supposed to help with their grandchildren, not put them in danger. The use of heroin, however, can make some people forget that it appears.
Inez Salinas, 45, was arrested on two counts of aggravated DUI on Aug. 9 after officers reportedly discovered him inebriated by heroin and in possession of drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop.
An officer pulled Salinas over at about 5:05 p.m. after he made a left turn without signaling while traveling in his brown, Chevrolet pickup truck.
Upon contact, the officer noticed Salinas had bloodshot and watery eyes and slurred speech. He also noticed Salinas had a passenger, who was described as Salinas’ 10-year-old grandson.
After learning that Salinas’ driver’s license was suspended, the officer began a tow inventory of the vehicle. The officer saw Salinas place a bag into the bed of the truck, so the officer began his search there and located a cut straw with apparent heroin residue. Salinas later advised the straw was in the center console of the truck but he put it in the bag so the officer wouldn’t find it. At that time, he denied ownership of the straw.
The officer then found another cut straw with apparent heroin residue in Salinas’ pocket, to which Salinas allegedly replied, “(Expletive deleted) I forgot about that one.” He then later admitted to using heroin earlier in the day, according to a Safford Police report.
Another item Salinas tossed into the bed of the truck contained yet another cut straw with residue as well as aluminum foil with burn marks consistent with heroin use and a plastic baggie with heroin residue.
After failing a field sobriety test, Salinas was arrested for aggravated DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia. His blood was taken for testing purposes, and Salinas was given a ride to his home and released.
Magnum Towing responded to the scene and removed the truck to its storage yard.
