Mobile command post loses momentum

SANTA FE, N.M., March 30 (UPI) -- The brand-new, quarter-million-dollar mobile command post bought by Santa Fe law enforcement broke down on its maiden voyage.

The high-tech vehicle, bought with $278,000 of U.S. Homeland Security Department funds, spewed smoke and lost power Saturday on U.S. 84 just a quarter-mile into its first day on the job, the New Mexican reported.

"It's a good thing it happened now instead of during a real emergency," said Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano. The vehicle, built on a Freightliner chassis with a Cummins diesel engine, was towed to Albuquerque for repairs.