El Paso Radio Host Arrested on DWI and Weapon Charges

Popular Morning Show Host Faces Multiple Charges

A beloved El Paso radio personality found himself in handcuffs last weekend after what began as a routine traffic stop escalated into a multi-charge arrest. Michael Earl "Buzz" Witt, 58, who hosts the popular Buzz Adams Morning Show on KLAQ 95.5 FM, was arrested by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office on January 10 during what would become a dramatic encounter in Vinton, just northwest of the city.

Witt faces four serious charges: driving while intoxicated (DWI), unlawful carrying of a weapon, possession of marijuana under two ounces, and possession of a controlled substance . He was released the following day after posting a $6,600 bond , but the incident has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit El Paso radio community where Adams has been a fixture since the 1990s.

The traffic stop occurred around 10:40 a.m. on Saturday when a deputy noticed Adams' black Cadillac lacked a front Texas license plate as it approached the intersection of Vinton Road and Doniphan Drive . What started as a simple license plate violation quickly escalated when deputies detected what they described as a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.

Evidence Paints Complex Picture

Court documents reveal a troubling scene inside Adams' vehicle that morning. Deputies allegedly found a cold beer, a loaded revolver, a burnt joint, and a THC vape pen in his black Cadillac . A loaded black .38-caliber revolver was located in the driver's door panel, while under the driver's seat, deputies found a cold 12-ounce can of Stella Artois beer and a white plastic tube containing a burnt joint .

The complaint states that deputies detected a "faint odor of alcohol" on Adams, though Adams denied having anything to drink . Documents show a field sobriety evaluation was conducted and that Adams refused to complete the remainder of the test, and also refused to provide a specimen for what appears to have been a breath-alcohol test .

The arrest becomes more intriguing when considering Adams' cooperation with authorities. When the deputy told Adams he had probable cause to search the vehicle, Adams allegedly told him "that there was going to be empty cartridges for marijuana joints and a .38" in the vehicle, adding that the handgun belonged to him .

Defense Attorney Challenges Evidence

On Friday morning, Adams' defense attorney, Justin Underwood, addressed the arrest and charges during an appearance on Adams' show, arguing that deputies left out observations he said would typically be noted in an impaired-driving case—including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech or an unsteady stance at the scene .

"At no point in any of the affidavits does it say that Buzz has red or bloodshot eyes," Underwood said. "Slurred speech? Nope. Unstable balance at the scene? Nope. Does it say that he's driving impaired at any point in time? Absolutely, unequivocally, no." Underwood also said the affidavit's reference to a "cold" beer can could be misleading, arguing it was unopened and only cold because of the weather .

Underwood contended that if the evidence does not establish intoxication, the firearm allegation would not hold up because Adams is legally allowed to carry a gun . The defense strategy appears focused on challenging the foundation of the DWI charge, which could potentially undermine the entire case.

Career Continues Despite Legal Troubles

Adams' morning show has been part of El Paso since the 1990s and is syndicated to other stations in Texas, making it a humorous part of El Paso morning radio . Townsquare Media confirmed that Adams remains on the air, with the company stating they are "aware of the charges" and allowing "the process to play out" .

Adams is an Oklahoma native who previously worked in manufacturing and agriculture before becoming a radio deejay at KLAQ-FM, eventually building a long career in broadcasting in the El Paso region . Adams is a fixture in the region, with a show that's highly regarded for its mix of music, banter, and local engagement, serving as a staple of KLAQ's programming .

The case highlights the complex intersection of personal troubles and professional responsibilities in the entertainment industry. While Adams continues his on-air duties, court records show no hearings have been set in the case , leaving both his legal fate and career trajectory uncertain. The outcome will likely depend on whether prosecutors can successfully prove intoxication beyond the circumstantial evidence currently available, setting up what could be a contentious legal battle in the coming months.