ALBUQUERQUE, NM – An unexpected twist unfolded during a routine investigation of a car collision on April 9, when police discovered that the two drivers involved were siblings attempting to shield each other from responsibility. The incident took place at the intersection of Central and University, where officers were initially informed of a female driver leaving the scene.
Upon arrival, officers encountered Randall and Keeley James, who were driving separate vehicles when Keeley rear-ended Randall’s car. As the investigation progressed, Randall was overheard telling his sister to flee the scene, indicating a desire to protect her from the consequences.
Randall admitted to officers that both he and his sister had been drinking prior to the crash, although he claimed to have consumed more alcohol than Keeley. Officers, however, were not convinced by the siblings’ attempts to take the blame for each other, as they had access to surveillance footage capturing the incident.
Despite Randall’s insistence that he was the one responsible for the collision, officers informed him that they could verify the true sequence of events through the video evidence. Keeley also attempted to claim responsibility, expressing concern for her brother’s involvement.
Randall, resigned to his fate, acknowledged to officers that he would likely face arrest regardless of who was at fault. He subsequently underwent a field sobriety test, which he failed, leading to his arrest for what would be his fourth DWI offense.
During the arrest process, Randall became agitated, verbally lashing out at officers as they placed him in the police vehicle. At the prisoner transport center, his behavior deteriorated further, as he struggled to walk and began banging his head against a wall. Officers were forced to place protective headgear on him to prevent self-harm.
Keeley, meanwhile, was found to have a blood alcohol level exceeding twice the legal limit. As the legal process continues, charges against both siblings remain pending, with Randall facing potential consequences for his prior convictions.