NM Trucker Faces Charges After Dangerous I-40 Incident, Claims Mental Health Crisis

Key Details A truck driver in Bernalillo County, New Mexico was pulled over in February after a dangerous display of reckless driving on Interstate 40. According to body cam footage released in April, driver Taur Mourzagaliev weaved through traffic on the left shoulder, cut off multiple vehicles, and drove with his headlights off while speeding past patrol cars. The incident occurred near mile marker 170 during traffic control operations following a deputy-involved fatality. Resistance and Arrest When deputies attempted to pull over Mourzagaliev, he locked himself in the truck cab and refused to exit. After deputies broke through the windows, he responded by blasting loud music. Officers eventually used a taser and removed him from the vehicle. During the encounter, Mourzagaliev told police in Russian that he was suffering from mental illness. Legal Status Mourzagaliev is facing multiple misdemeanor charges and has pleaded not guilty to all counts. His trial is scheduled for the coming month. The case highlights ongoing concerns about driver mental health and the need for proper intervention during traffic stops.