A Cleveland High School assistant principal was charged with drunken driving and failing to take a breath test Oct. 5.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, Rebecca Bruere, 51, was charged with aggravated DWI after declining to submit to a blood-alcohol test and swerving halfway into the bike lane on Golf Course Road in northwest Albuquerque. The case is pending in the court, and she has pleaded not guilty, according to court records.

“The investigation of the allegations in the case is in its preliminary stages,” said Bruere’s attorney, Roman R. Romero, in an email. “As you know, Ms. Bruere and her family have been valued members of the community here for many years. She is presumed innocent, and certainly looks forward to resolving the matter as soon as possible. The family is very appreciative for the outpouring of love, support, prayers and patience as we wait for an opportunity to resolve the issues presented fully and fairly.”

According to the criminal complaint, a Bernalillo County deputy saw a sport-utility vehicle traveling north on Golf Course Road and swerving the passenger-side tires into the bike lane about 9:10 p.m. Oct. 5. When he activated his emergency equipment to pull it over at Golf Course and Ellison Boulevard, the SUV kept driving with both passenger-side tires in the bike lane until it turned east on Driftwood Avenue and stopped, the deputy wrote.

Bruere was the only occupant of the vehicle, smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot, watery eyes, according to the complaint. The deputy wrote that he had to ask twice to see her registration and proof of insurance, and Bruere denied drinking alcohol.

She agreed to take field sobriety tests and performed poorly, according to the deputy. He wrote that Bruere repeatedly refused to take a breath test, and she was charged with aggravated DWI as well as failure to maintain lanes.

Rio Rancho Public Schools Communications Manager Melissa Perez said the district couldn’t comment on specific personnel matters. However, DWI charges affect employment with RRPS only if driving is a condition of employment or required for the position.