State Fair drunk-driver faces a judge

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Additional information has been released about the drunk driving suspect accused of sneaking onto the State Fair Parade route Saturday, sending police scrambling and parade goers running for cover.

The suspect has a previous drunk driving conviction, goes by multiple names and he may be in the country illegally.

Police say 51-year-old Jose Gandara had a half empty bottle of whiskey next to him as he cruised through the crowds on the parade route.

Sunday he appeared before a judge, facing multiple charges.

Metro court staffers told the judge Sunday that Gandara's real name is Armando Soto but he also goes by other names.

Records show he has been charged with crimes in New Mexico, Mexico and California.

He was convicted of DWI under one of his assumed names back in 2001.

Gandara caught the attention of police during Saturday's State Fair Parade, when he drove his vehicle straight into the parade route, ramming into several people before police could stop him.

Police chased him down, smashed out his car window and arrested him.

Sunday in court background investigators asked the judge to increase Gandara's bond.

“He is also booked on an immigration hold at this time,” a court investigator said. “Recognizing there's a hold your honor, given he's a multi-state offender we do feel a flight risk is involved.”

The judge did raise Gandara's bond to $25,000 cash or surety.

He would have to get the immigration hold cleared before he could bond out of jail.

Several people suffered minor injuries.

Police say they are all okay.