ALLIANCE -- At about 12 a.m. today, Alliance Police Officer Gomez conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling the wrong way on a one-way street.

The driver was identified as Santos Tonche Ortiz, 50. Ortiz did not speak English, and Box Butte County Deputy Valdez assisted officers by providing translation. 

During the investigation, Ortiz displayed signs of impairment and was placed under arrest for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Ortiz  submitted to a breath alcohol test, which registered .087, above the legal limit for DUI in the State of Nebraska. 

Further investigation revealed Ortiz was in possession of a fraudulent Mexican driver’s license and did not hold a valid operator’s license. Ortiz admitted the license was fraudulent and stated he had paid 2,000 pesos in Mexico to obtain it. He also acknowledged that he had entered the country illegally. 

“Impaired driving remains one of the most serious threats to public safety. It’s frustrating when individuals not only choose to drive under the influence, but also attempt to deceive law enforcement through fraudulent identification and unlawful entry into our country. Our officers will continue to uphold the law and protect the safety of everyone in our community," said Alliance Police Chief David Leavitt.

Dispatch submitted an Immigration Alien Query (IAQ) with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for verification. 

Ortiz was transported to the Box Butte County Jail and charged with the following offenses: 

  1. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
  2. Identity Fraud
  3. No Operator’s License
  4. Driving the Wrong Way on a One-Way

The suspect is being held on a $10,000.00 bond. After review, ICE determined that the suspect does not meet their criteria for immediate deportation and will be allowed to make bond.