Weslaco police officer arrested on DWI charge

DONNA — Texas Department of Public Safety officials arrested a Weslaco police officer Friday on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

Juan Antonio Abrego was given a field sobriety test at the Farm-to-Market Road 493 and Expressway 83 interchange, said Trooper Johnny Hernandez, a local spokesman for the state agency.

Abrego failed the test and was taken to Weslaco Police Department for a Breathalyzer test, which he refused, Hernandez said.

The location where Abrego was arrested is in Donna; however, it is standard for officers to take DWI suspects picked up in that city to Weslaco for breath tests because Donna police don’t have the equipment to administer the test at their station, the trooper said.

“Breath test refusal was filed on him,” Hernandez said. “He was then transferred to Hidalgo County (Jail), where he was booked for a DWI with an open container.”

Abrego was formally charged Saturday morning with driving while intoxicated with an open container, a Class B misdemeanor. If convicted, he could face up to 180 days in county jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.

Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Charlie Espinoza released Abrego on a personal recognizance bond.

A personal recognizance bond allows someone accused of a crime — typically a minor offense — to be free while awaiting trial, without posting bail, based on the person’s promise to appear for future court hearings. If the accused then fails to appear as required, cash or some form of security must be paid and a new warrant is issued.

Weslaco police spokesman David Molina said he would not comment on Abrego’s job status.

“Any time it’s a personnel issue, we don’t comment,” he said.

____

Lindsay Machak covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4462.