Albuquerque Police Department

In Step with Our Community

APD Nabs Serial Thief………Again

The Albuquerque Police Department once again arrested a woman who was recently let out of jail while she awaited trial for identity theft involving 450 victims, only to steal the credit cards of two more unsuspecting victims.

On Thursday Albuquerque police property crimes detectives charged Amber Tapia, 22, with identity theft fraud of more than $500, forgery less than $2,500, fraudulent signing of a credit card and conspiracy. She was being held in the Metropolitan Detention Center in lieu of a $100,000 cash bond. Full Story

Mayor Recognizes Northwest Officers Who Caught One Of Albuquerque’s Top Property Crime Offenders

Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized on Friday three Albuquerque police officers who were able to capture one of the city’s most prolific property crime offenders.

Officers Monte Curtis, Tommy Benavidez and Tomo Steward and several other officers from APD’s Northwest Area Command took into custody Anthony Lucero who recently been featured in an Albuquerque Journal advertisement. Once a month, APD pays for an ad that features the city’s top property crime offenders. Full Story >>

The 11th West Mesa Victim Identified.

The University of North Texas identified the remains of the final West Mesa Victim on Jan. 26.

Pathologists have identified the woman as 15-year-old Jamie Barela.  Barela was reported missing on April 3, 2004, and was last seen leaving a family gathering with Evelyn Salazar, who is also one of the West Mesa victims. Full Story >>

Mayor Berry Pledges to Fight Property Crime

Mayor Richard J. Berry unveiled his plan to attack property crime Tuesday and in doing so pledged that he will make Albuquerque a bad place to commit crime.

The plan, which was unveiled in front of 500 mortgage brokers at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, will focus on using technology, teaming with private industry and seeking tougher legislation and prosecution. Full Story >>

Bomb Squad Officer and K9 partner Recognized For Catching Bank Robber in the Act

Public Safety Director Darren White recognized on Friday an Albuquerque police officer and his 4-legged partner who together caught a bank robber in the act.

Officer Chris Passeno and partner Josie received his week’s Friday’s Hero award. Each week a public safety employee is recognized by Director White or Mayor Richard J. Berry for going above the call of duty. Passeno was given the Police Chief’s Coffee Mug and Josie was presented with a bone. Full Story>>

Burglaries Drop in Northwest Area Command

Homes, business and cars are getting a lot safer in the city’s Northwest Side.

In the past year, there has been a 17 percent reduction in commercial, auto and home burglaries. In December, burglaries were down 54 percent. Full Story>>

APD News Archives

Read archived APD news summaries >>