The Albuquerque Police Department's Mounted Patrol apprehended a suspected shoplifter, 30-year-old Mark Chacon, outside a Walgreens after he allegedly stole $230 worth of merchandise. Chacon led officers on a chase, running into traffic before being arrested. The incident highlighted the effectiveness of the Mounted Patrol Unit in apprehending suspects, with officers warning potential criminals that fleeing would only result in being "arrested tired." Chacon is now facing charges including shoplifting, evading police, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina addressed the federal investigation into officers missing court dates for DWI cases, stating that the department relied on the Bernalillo County district attorney to notify them of absences. Medina emphasized that he wasn't pointing fingers but acknowledged the lack of a system to track officers' court appearances. An internal investigation is underway, and accountability will be enforced for any involvement in the alleged scheme. The responsibility for notifying APD of missed court appearances remains unclear, and it's uncertain if the department had a system to ensure compliance with court attendance rules.
The Albuquerque Police Department addressed an ongoing administrative investigation involving over 150 DWI case dismissals, with accusations of officers being paid to dismiss cases. Chief Harold Medina provided a timeline of dismissed cases from 2015 to 2023, noting a significant decrease in dismissals after changes made in 2022. The department is investigating its DWI Unit members, and Commander Hartsock will lead the investigation. The chief also mentioned issues with the notification process for missed court dates and emphasized that the blame cannot be solely placed on the DA's Office.
A 40-year-old man, who was reportedly having a mental health crisis, called from the Puerta del Sol Apartments in northwest Albuquerque claiming to have a gun. When officers arrived, they attempted to negotiate with the man, but he displayed the gun, prompting at least two officers to open fire. The man then drove away, but officers heard another gunshot before he crashed into a wall. It is unclear whether the man shot himself in the vehicle. The man, who had previously surrendered his firearms due to New Mexico's red flag laws, was declared dead. The officers involved will be placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
The Albuquerque Police Department is investigating a potential decade-long scheme involving officers being paid to get DWI cases dismissed, leading to over 150 case dismissals and the placement of five officers on paid administrative leave. Chief Harold Medina revealed that the department's internal affairs investigation was prompted by a confidential source in December 2022, and the FBI was already investigating potential criminal behavior by the officers. The alleged scheme has caused the recent dismissal of numerous DWI cases, and the department is now taking steps to address the issue and make policy changes.
A federal investigation into multiple Albuquerque police officers has been ongoing for a decade, with the alleged scheme involving DWI officers first coming to light in late 2022. The investigation has led to the dismissal of over 150 DWI cases, with at least five officers involved. The officers, including one named Officer A who was recognized as the 2023 MADD Officer of the Year for New Mexico, are among the highest-paid within APD. The investigation also involves attorneys, with FBI agents raiding an attorney's office. The scheme allegedly involved close relationships between officers and members of the criminal justice system, leading to the dismissal of cases when officers failed to appear in court.
Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina responds to a federal investigation into officers that has led to over 150 DWI case dismissals, expressing concern for victims and the erosion of trust. The investigation involves allegations of officers being paid to dismiss DWI cases, with five officers under investigation and potential for further growth. The chief acknowledges the need for reform and accountability, and plans to reorganize the DWI unit to include more oversight and safeguards against officer misconduct.
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman has dismissed over 150 DWI cases, citing an ongoing federal investigation into officers within the Albuquerque Police Department's DWI unit. Federal agents have searched the homes of officers involved in the dismissed cases. Bregman stated that he had no choice but to drop the cases and emphasized the need to follow his ethics as a prosecutor. He declined to provide specific details and referred inquiries to the U.S. Attorney's office.
A shoplifting suspect was shot and killed by an Albuquerque police officer after a foot pursuit at a Kohl's store. The suspect, a man in his 30s with an extensive criminal history, fled from officers and took out a gun when confronted. He ran into a Cold Stone Creamery and then to a medical plaza before being found by officers. Despite attempts to get him to surrender, shots were fired, resulting in his death. A female suspect was taken into custody at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
One person was killed in an officer-involved shooting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after police confronted two suspects caught shoplifting. One suspect was arrested, while the other fled on foot and pulled out a gun. The suspect was shot by police and died. The incident is currently under investigation by the Multi-Agency Task Force.
The Albuquerque Police Department is investigating a shooting near Broadway Blvd. and Martin Luther King Ave. One victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, and a suspect is in custody. Further details have not been released.
Albuquerque Police Sergeant Christopher Romero, who had been the subject of nearly two dozen misconduct investigations since his promotion five years ago, has retired amidst ongoing investigations into his alleged misconduct, including an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old girl. Romero's disciplinary file had been growing over his 19-year career, with previous incidents including a false imprisonment charge and timecard fraud. The Law Enforcement Certification Board is currently investigating Romero's police certification, which could result in its revocation.
A 13-year-old boy has turned himself in to the Albuquerque Police Department after allegedly shooting and killing a 23-year-old woman, Sydney Wilson, who confronted him and his friends about her stolen vehicle. The suspect, Marcos Barela, has been taken into custody and is facing charges of murder, tampering with evidence, and unlawful handgun possession. The District Attorney's Office expressed outrage over the incident and vowed to keep the teen in custody while investigating how he obtained the gun used in the crime.
A suspect in Albuquerque, Stiven Katicic, is in critical condition after allegedly starting a fire during a SWAT standoff. Prior to the incident, he had reportedly strangled his mother and sister and held them against their will. The police were able to safely rescue the victims, but Katicic refused to surrender. In a video captured by a SWAT robot, Katicic ignited a piece of fabric, causing thick smoke to fill the home. He eventually surrendered, and it was revealed that he has a history of setting fires. This incident follows a previous deadly fire during a SWAT situation in Albuquerque.
The Albuquerque Police Department is investigating an overnight homicide in the area of Second Street and Candelaria Road, where a man was found dead from gunshot wounds. The Homicide Unit is currently working on the investigation, and no further details have been released at this time.
