Nixon officer removed from duty after allegedly driving while intoxicated

MARION — A Nixon Police Officer has been placed on administrative leave after being arrested on DWI charges, reports show.

At 1 a.m. March 9, Guadalupe County Sheriff's Deputies, along with Marion Police, responded to a call of a car that was stopped on the railroad tracks in the 100 block of East San Antonio St., GCSO Lt. John Koch reported.

The caller also informed police the driver had managed to exit the vehicle before it was struck by an approaching train.

Upon arrival, officers located the driver near the scene, and identified her as Devon New, 28, of Seguin. Koch said New appeared to be intoxicated, and officers conducted a field sobriety test that indicated she was under the influence of alcohol. 

New was subsequently arrested and transported to Guadalupe County Jail. New, who is an officer with the Nixon Police Department, was placed on administrative leave by NPD Chief Mario Hernandez, who said she is scheduled to return to work on March 19.

"Due to the sensitive nature of this incident, I was required to contact TCOLE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement)," Hernandez said in a report. "I was able to speak the head of Enforcement Division, Darla Dixon. Ms. Dixon advised me that it was [our] department's decision whether to place an officer back to active duty, suspension or administrative duty. I am placing Officer New on day shift active duty until the final disposition of this case. I will be in close contact with TCOLE." 

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UPDATE: City Administrator Manuel Zepeda clarified in a report of his own saying he suspended New without pay for one week for “actions unbecoming an officer.” New’s suspension began on March 9, and she will return to work - active duty - on March 16; until the outcome of her court date, which is scheduled for April 9.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Gonzales Inquirer will keep readers updated on the story as additional information develops.