News Archive

Archived News Summaries from the Albuquerque Police Department

 

Police Target Drunk Drivers on Thanksgiving Eve

The day before Thanksgiving has become a busy night for DWI officers and as a result the Albuquerque Police Department will be cracking down on drunk drivers.

Starting Wednesday night, about 15 extra Albuquerque police officers will be working overtime patrolling the streets through Sunday looking for drunk drivers. There will also be one checkpoint. APD will be using state grants to fund the special operation.

"If you plan on going out, please have a designated driver," Albuquerque Public Safety Director Darren White said. "Ending your night in a jumpsuit at the Metropolitan Detention Center is nothing you will be thankful for." Full Story >>

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APD to Crackdown on Criminal Activity for the Holiday Season

Albuquerque police officers will be using helicopters, aerial platforms, horses, night vision goggles, and bait vehicles filled with gifts to catch thieves who prey on holiday shoppers.

Mayor Richard J. Berry and Police Chief Raymond D. Schultz announced on Tuesday an all-out assault on thieves this holiday season. Starting on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, Albuquerque police officers will be working overtime to catch thieves in the act. The officers will work through Christmas. Full Story >>

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Albuquerque Police Officer Intervened in Murder Plot

On Friday, Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized an Albuquerque police officer whose swift action and keen investigative skills prevented a man from being murdered.

Officer Ferris Simmons was named this week’s Friday’s Hero. Each week Mayor Richard J. Berry recognizes at least one public safety employee who goes above the call of duty. Full Story >>

 

 

 

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APD Unveils New State-of-the-Art Traffic Enforcement Squad Cars

On Wednesday, Mayor Richard J. Berry and Police Chief Raymond Schultz unveiled three new, state-of the art traffic enforcement police cars that will help officers catch speeders on the interstates. The cars are white unmarked Dodge Chargers that feature a Hemi V8 engine that is capable of reaching speeds of 60mph in six seconds. Full Story >>

 

 

 

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School Resource Officer Identified Student Making Dangerous Threats

On behalf of Mayor Richard J. Berry, Public Safety Director Darren White presented this week’s Friday’s Hero award to Albuquerque Police Department School Resource Officer Mick Rael. Full Story >>

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Northeast Bike Officers Named City-Wide Employees of the Week

Members of APD bike units 4 and 6 went above the call of duty by volunteering to clean a property for which no one wanted to claim responsibility.

The lot was brought to the attention of the teams by Officer Michael Benavidez and Bernadette Chavez, from the Crime Prevention Unit.  It is located behind Montgomery and Carlisle and was in a state of shambles and in desperate need of attention. Full Story >>

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Albuquerque Police Officer Locates Missing Girl and Apprehends Her Abductor

On Friday, Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized an Albuquerque Police Officer who located a missing girl and apprehended her abductor.

Officer Lou Black was named this week’s Friday’s Hero. Each week Mayor Richard J. Berry recognizes at least one public safety employee who goes above the call of duty. Full Story >>

 

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Off-Duty Police Officer Apprehends Wanted Gang Member

Albuquerque Public Safety Director Darren White recognized on Friday an off-duty Albuquerque police officer who captured a wanted and well known gang member.

Officer Adam Portillos was named this week’s Friday’s Hero. Each week Mayor Richard J. Berry of Director White recognizes at least one public safety employee who goes above the call of duty. Full Story >>

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Mayor Berry, Chief Schultz Kick Off 2010 NRA National Police Shooting Championships

Mayor Richard J. Berry and Police Chief Ray Schultz kicked off the 2010 National Rifle Associations’ Police shooting Championships at Shooting Range Park on Monday, September 20, 2010. The event will feature hundreds of police officers from around the world. The competition will run through Wednesday Sept 22. This year is the fifth year Albuquerque has hosted the event. To follow the event, click here.

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APD to Crack Down on Car Thieves at the Balloon Fiesta

Albuquerque police officers will be using bait cars, helicopters, electronic license plate readers and undercover detectives to catch auto thieves at this year’s Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Dozens of APD detectives will be working overtime to catch thieves in the act.  And, for the first time, APD will be using electronic license plate readers at this year’s Balloon Fiesta. The readers can scan hundreds of plates within minutes to determine if they have been stolen.

Full Story >>

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WANTED: Citizen CSIs

Instead of watching the CBS hit television show CSI from a couch this Fall, New Mexicans can see the real thing in person.

The Albuquerque Police Department is now accepting applications for its Citizen CSI Academy. The academy, “Introduction to APD CSI,” meets Tuesday evening starting Oct. 5 and lasts 10 weeks. APD will be filling 25 seats for the class. Full Story >>

 

 

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Detective Solved More Than a Dozen Property Crimes Within a Week

Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized on Friday an Albuquerque Detective who solved several property crimes within a week.

Detective Jodi Gonterman, was named this week’s Friday’s Hero. Each week Mayor Richard J. Berry recognizes at least one public safety employee who goes above the call of duty. Full Story >>

 

 

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Emcore Executives Say ‘Thank You’

Several Emcore executives made a surprise visit to the police department Tuesday to say thank you to the officers who responded to the deadly shooting that occurred seven weeks ago inside the company’s southeast side offices.

The executives presented Chief Ray Schultz with a large card that was signed by all of its employees. Schultz was conducting his weekly staff meeting when the executives stopped by.

“It’s not often we get thanked,” Schultz said. “This was nice gesture.”

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Six Officers Recognized For Capturing Voyeur

Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized on Friday six Albuquerque Police Officers for capturing a voyeur who was sneaking into women’s bathrooms for months throughout the Metropolitan Area.

Albuquerque Police Officers Simon Drobik, Steven Lopez  and Detectives Don Roberts, Steve Walsh, Josh Hawkes and Greg Trujillo, were named this week’s Friday’s Heroes.  Each week Mayor Richard J. Berry recognizes at least one public safety employee who goes above the call of duty. Full Story >>

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The Albuquerque Police Department is now providing access to the Crime View Community. Crime View is an interactive tool that has been designed to let the public obtain information concerning crime trends effecting their neighborhoods.

This program allows you to produce maps and reports documenting various crimes (burglary, robbery, auto theft, larceny, assault, etc) that occur in or near your neighborhood. You are also given the opportunity to obtain email alerts tailored specifically to the crime information you need.

The Crime View Community makes this incident information available to the public in order to enhance community awareness, as well as community policing efforts.

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Off-Duty 911 Operator Apprehends Shoplifter and Gives Him Sandwich

Albuquerque Public Safety Director Darren White recognized on Friday an off-duty 911 Operator who was on his way to work when he apprehend a shoplifter at Shell Giant gas station. Upon learning the alleged thief was stealing for food, the off-duty city employee also fed him.

Rob Kessel was named this week's Friday's Hero. Each week Mayor Richard J. Berry or Director White recognizes at least one public safety employee who goes above the call of duty. Full Story >>

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Officers React to Emcore Shootings

On July 12, the Albuquerque Police Department responded to a call that a man was shooting people inside Emcore – an office located near Central and Eubank SE. The gunman took his own life after he fatally wounded two women and injured four others. Shortly after the shooting, four Albuquerque police officers - David Hinson, Art Acosta, Wayne McCumber and Eric Martinez - who responded to the shooting talked to the media about their experience. Below is the unedited 32 minute video of their interviews. Please press the play button to view.

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APD and City to Celebrate National Night Out

On Tuesday, August 3, neighborhoods throughout Albuquerque are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “27th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime and drug prevention event. Full Story >>

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Newspaper Ads Help Capture 100 of the City’s Top Property Crime Offenders

Police, tipsters and the media have helped put the cuffs on more than 100 of the city’s top property crime offenders.

Mayor Richard J. Berry announced Monday that 110 of the city’s top property crime offenders featured in the Albuquerque Journal have been captured. So far, 238 offenders have been profiled in the eight monthly advertisements.

“This is huge victory for the city, the community and the police department,” Mayor Berry said. “More than 100 thieves have learned that Albuquerque is a bad place to be a criminal.”

The Journal ad features 30 of the city’s most wanted property crime offenders. The city began running the ad in December as a part of Mayor Berry’s initiative to combat property crime. It appears in the Journal every third Friday. The city also publishes offenders on 10 electronic billboards. Full Story >>

 

 

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Off-Duty Police Chaplain Risked Life to Save Horses from Fire

Albuquerque Public Safety Director Darren White recognized a volunteer police chaplain Friday who risked his own life to save dozens of horses from burning alive.

Chaplain Bob Church was named this week’s Friday’s Hero. Each week Mayor Richard J. Berry or Director White recognizes one public safety employee who goes above the call of duty. Full Story

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Open Space Officers Save Suicidal Man From Rushing Waters

Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized three Albuquerque police officers Friday who risked there own safety to save a man from drowning.

Officers Pat Smith, Mark Dietz and Jason Harvey are this week’s Friday’s Heroes. Each week Mayor Berry recognizes at least one public safety employee who goes above the call of duty. Full Story >>

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Schultz Shapes Upper Ranks

Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz shaped the department's upper ranks on Friday by promoting three Commanders, two Lieutenants, and three Sergeants.
Those promotions included Commanders Brian Carr, Cliff Saylor, and Doug West; Lieutenants Paul Hansen and Jeff McDonald; and Sergeants Sean Frick, Jason Peck, and George Wood.

Full Story >>

 

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Evidence Warehouse Closes

Mayor Richard J. Berry announced the closure Wednesday of an Albuquerque police evidence warehouse. The closure is expected to save taxpayers more than $110,000 a year.

Since taking office in April 2005, Police Chief Ray Schultz has made organizing the police department's evidence room one of his top priorities. When Schultz took office, the warehouse, located at 1500 First St. NW, was filled with more than 372,000 piece of evidence, most of which was unorganized. Full Story>>

 

 

 

 

 

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Bike Officers Catch Property Crime Offender

Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized on Friday two Albuquerque police officers who chased down a property crime offender while on their bikes

Officers Shane Bailey and Eric Pysezko received this week’s Friday Hero’s Award. Each week Mayor Berry recognizes one public safety employee who goes above the call of duty. Full Story >>

 

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APD to Step Up Bosque Patrols

The City of Albuquerque is stepping up its Bosque patrols this weekend by putting police officers and firefighters on bikes, horses, boats, ATVS and brush trucks. The patrols will be in effect for the rest of the summer,

Each summer, the City of Albuquerque and surrounding areas experience times of heightened fire danger. This year is no different. With the current fire danger levels, combined with the increase recreation along the Bosque during the Fourth of July Holiday, Albuquerque police and fire departments have stepped up patrols starting this weekend. Full Story >>

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APD Receives National Recognition for Working with Retailers to Combat Property Crime

The Albuquerque Police Department was honored last week at the National Retail Federation's 2010 Loss and Prevention Conference and Expo in Atlanta, Georgia.

APD was honored for forming a business partnership that combats retail crime. The group Albuquerque Retail Assets Protection Association (ARAPA) was formed four years ago and is a partnership between the Albuquerque Police Department and local businesses. ARAPA members work together by posting information on a website accessible only to ARAPA's business and police members. Full Story>>

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Chief Schultz and APD Leadership Team Honor Outstanding Employees and Citizens

Albuquerque Police Department Chief Ray Schultz recognized
numerous employees at the department's Awards and Retirement Ceremony on June 4. Each year police officers and civilian personnel are honored for their work in various categories. Additionally, it is an opportunity for APD to recognize its retirees from the previous year. Full Story >>

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Hundreds of officers, community leaders and citizens remember fallen heroes

Hundreds turned out to Civic Plaza Thursday, May 20th, to remember the law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our community at the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service. Families from the fallen officers were recognized and the names of the officers we read at service. Law enforcement officers from Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Bernalillo County, Sandoval County, and Torrance County were remembered.

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Field officer's keen observation skills result in apprehension of repeat offender

On Friday, Mayor Richard J. Berry honored APD Officer Yvonne Martinez as this week's Friday's Hero for her efforts to seek out a suspect who had just carried out a residential burglary.

Yesterday morning Officer Martinez was working her regular shift when she responded to a residential burglary call on General Macarthur NW. As she entered the area, she spotted a truck and driver matching the description given by a witness. Full Story >>

 

 

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2010 Regional Police Pistol Combat Tournament

The Albuquerque Police Department is hosting the 2010 Regional PPC Tournament. This competition will take place September 15 through September 17, 2010 and will be held at the City of Albuquerque's Shooting Range Park. This year's match will be even bigger and better than the 2009 competition. Please visit our regional match website at www.nmshootnra.com for registration and match information. A copy of the match brochure is also available for download.

 

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Cold Case Unit Needs Help Solving 30 Year Old Missing Children Case

On September 22, 1979, eleven year old Billy Sena and his nine year old cousin, Mary Lou Sena, disappeared from 323 Mountain Road NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico. An extensive search of the area was conducted but the children were never found.

Law enforcement officers from several different agencies participated in the follow-up investigation. Unfortunately, no solid investigative leads were developed. Throughout the years, rumors have surfaced that these children were murdered and buried in the basement of a house located somewhere in the Martineztown area.

Anyone with information about the victims is asked to call Detective Rich Lewis at (505) 924-6095. He may also be contacted by sending an email or text message to rlewis@cabq.gov.

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Operator Prioritized Call Despite Lack of Information
Helping Field Units to Discover Double Homicide and One Survivor

On Friday, Mayor Richard J. Berry honored Mr. Struan Robertson, Telecommunicator for the city Communications Center, for his handling of a 911 call that resulted in the discovery of a double homicide and the rescue of a female in critical condition. Full Story >>

 

 

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Three officers honored for negotiating surrender of man threatening to jump off building

On Friday, Mayor Richard J. Berry honored three Albuquerque Police Department tactical team officers for their efforts which resulted in the successful rescue of a man threatening suicide.

K-9 Officer Russ Carter, Crisis Negotiator Officer Mizell Garcia and SWAT Officer Jim Perdue are this week's Friday's Heroes. Each week, Mayor Berry or Public Safety Director Darren White recognizes at least one public safety employee who goes above the call of duty. Full Story >>

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Thirty-three graduate from the Academy

Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz pinned a badge Friday on 33 new officers who graduated from the police academy.

The officers were members of Albuquerque Police Academy's 104th cadet class. One Albuquerque Fire arson investigator also graduated from the academy. The new rookie police officers will now go through three months of on-the-job training before they patrol the streets. The new officers brought APD's sworn manpower to 1,115. Full Story >>

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Communications Manager Took Control in
Crisis in Order to Restore Services to City

On Friday, Mayor Richard J. Berry honored Erika Wilson, Emergency Communications Center Manager for the Albuquerque Police Department as this week's Friday's Hero. Ms. Wilson is being recognized for her efforts and management of a crisis involving three separate incidents of communication outages at the 911 Center within a five day period. Full Story >>

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Serial Thief Gets 30 years

An Albuquerque man who stole from hundreds of people was sentenced to 30 years in prison Thursday after several of his victims testified he had "destroyed their lives."

Shane Price had pleaded guilty to 31 counts of Residential Burglary, Automobile Burglary, Identity Theft, Receiving Stolen Property, and Possession of a Stolen Credit Card. He faced a maximum of 40 years in prison when he was sentenced Friday by Judge Denise Barela Shepherd. Full Story >>

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Detectives Save Elderly Woman

Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized two Albuquerque police detectives Friday who saved the life of a 78-year-old woman who was lying unconscious in her home.

Detectives Shawn Casaus and Andrew Wickline are this week's Employees of the Week. Each week, Mayor Richard J. Berry recognizes at least one city employee who goes above the call of duty. Full Story >>

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Chief Schultz Promotes Eight Officers Including Two Area Commanders

Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz shaped the face of the department Friday by promoting two commanders, two lieutenants and four sergeants.
Those promoted included Commanders Robert Huntsman and Mac Page; Lieutenants Kevin Rowe and Roger Banez; and Sergeants Jennifer Garcia, Michael Gutierrez, Lena Deyapp and Monte Curtis. Full Story >>

 

 

 

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APD Officer Honored for Nabbing Bank Robbers

On Friday, Mayor Richard J. Berry named Albuquerque Police Officer Jon O'Guin "Friday's Hero" for his capture of two bank robbery suspects.

Late last week Officer O'Guin was off-duty and driving home after a Metro Court hearing when he heard over the radio the description of a vehicle used in a bank robbery which had occurred just minutes prior. Full Story >>

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APD's ROP Team Catches Top Property Crime Offender

 

Working off of a Crime Stopper's tip, the Albuquerque Police Department's Repeat Offender Project team arrested one of the city's top property crime offenders Thursday.

On March 26, a warrant was issued for Jeffrey Brasher's arrest on two auto theft-related counts after detectives used fingerprints to determine he stole a car while it was warming up. Full Story >>

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APD Detective recognized for apprehending burglary suspects

Mayor Richard J. Berry an APD detective Friday who arrested two repeat property crime offenders.

Upgraded Lieutenant Daniel Ortega, Driver Martin Lucero and Fire Fighter Kerry McKinstry as well as Detective Soren Ericksen from the Albuquerque Police Department are this week's Friday's Heroes. Each week, Mayor Berry or Public Safety Director Darren White recognizes at least one public safety employee who goes above the call of duty. Full Story >>

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Newspaper Ads Help Capture 50 Offenders; Photographs Will Now Be Featured in Shopping Centers

Mayor Richard J. Berry announced Wednesday that the 50th property crime offender has been arrested as a direct result of the ad in the Albuquerque Journal. The ad features names and mug shots of wanted property crime offenders.

Nancy Plumley was arrested late Thursday by members of the Albuquerque Police Repeat Offender Project Unit after someone called Crime Stoppers and reported her whereabouts.

Plumley was featured in Friday's Albuquerque Journal "Most Wanted Property Crime Offender" advertisement. So far the city has published four advertisements in the newspaper featuring about 120 of the city's top property crime offenders. Plumley was the 50th capture. Full Story >>

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Mayor Recognizes Detective Battling Cancer

Geri Sanders has dedicated her life to being a hero for children.

As a 15-year-member of the Albuquerque Police Department's Crimes Against Children Unit, Sanders has investigated some of the worst crimes the city has seen. She has seen a baby starved to death, witness autopsies of children, and interviewed suspects who have done the unthinkable to youth.

Now, it's time for the city to be a hero for her. Full Story >>

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Night Detectives Help Catch Top Property Crime Fugitive Hours After Mayor's Address

The Albuquerque Police Department's Night Detective Unit wasted no time hitting the streets after they got a pep talk from Mayor Richard J. Berry Wednesday.

The newly formed unit tracked one of the city's top property crime offenders, Reyanna Atencio, to Raton and gave information to the U.S. Marshal's Office and the Department of Corrections, who took her into custody.

Atencio, 24, who was wanted on five felony burglary warrants, was featured in February's Albuquerque Journal Most Wanted Property Crime Offenders advertisement. Full Story >>

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Night Detectives Hit the Streets

Mayor Richard J. Berry conducted one of the first briefings Wednesday of the Albuquerque Police Department's newly formed Night Detective unit.

The unit which consists of eight detectives and one sergeant was formed as a part of the Mayor's property crime initiative. They have been training for the past month and they officially hit the streets last week. Their mission is to target property crime offenders. Full Story >>

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Top Property Crime Fugitive Arrested

The city's top property crime fugitive was captured by U.S. Marshal's Friday morning after a massive manhunt that included newspaper advertisements and electronic billboards.

Michael Candelaria was arrested at 3 a.m. Friday by the U.S. Marshal's Office in the 200 block of Delmar. The Marshal's Office was working off of a tip and was conducting surveillance on the address when they spotted Candelaria.

Candelaria was the first property crime offender to be featured on the city's electronic billboard. He was also featured twice in the city's Most Wanted Property Crime Offender Advertisement in the Albuquerque Journal. Full Story >>

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APD to Host VIN Etching

An Auto theft prevention VIN etching event will be hosted by the Albuquerque Police Department Auto Theft Unit on Saturday, February 27, 2010, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Target Store located at 6100 Paseo Del Norte Boulevard NE. Full Story >>

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New BAT Mobile and Search and Rescue Vehicle Hit the Streets

Mayor Richard J. Berry and the Albuquerque Police Department unveiled a new DWI BAT Mobile Monday that will allow officers to process alleged drunken drivers more quickly and efficiently.

The vehicle, which recently made its debut at one of APD’s checkpoints, is 12 feet longer than the previous BAT Mobile, has holding cells for 12 suspects, four Intoxilyzers, and work stations for eight officers. It also has a 100-gallon fuel tank that will allow officers to conduct longer checkpoints without having to stop and refuel. Full Story>>

 

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APD Captures “Chevron” Bandit; Mayor Recognizes Employee Who Assisted in Capture

The Albuquerque Police Department arrested a man who they believe robbed as many as nine gas stations within a month.

Six of the gas stations were Chevrons. In each robbery Clinton James Walker, 29, showed a gun or a knife and demanded cash from the register just as he was purchasing cigarettes, sodas or chips from the convenience store.
Walker was taken into custody on Feb. 9 after Karleen Cyphert, who was just outside the Chevron gas station in the 2500 block of Fourth NW, called police and followed the bandit’s car after he robbed the gas station. Since then, APD detectives have linked Walker to eight more robberies. On Friday, Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized Cyphert for her heroics. Full Story>>

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Third Property Crime Ad Hits Newspaper; 23 Profiled Suspects Arrested Thus Far 

The third installment of the city’s property crime offender advertisement was published in the Albuquerque Journal today.

The ad features 30 of the city’s most wanted property crime offenders. The city began running the ad in December as a part of Mayor Richard J. Berry’s initiative to combat property crime. It appears in the Journal every third Friday.

Of the two previous ads, 23 offenders have been taken into custody. So far 60 have been profiled in the Journal. The city also publishes offenders on 10 electronic billboards. Full Story>>

 

 

 

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Cold Case Unit Needs Help In Identifying Suicide Victim

The Albuquerque Police Department Cold Case Unit is seeking your help in identifying the victim of an apparent suicide.

On June 6, 1991, an unknown female was found hanging from a shower spout in room 255 of the Super 8 Motel, located at 2500 University Boulevard NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The medical examiner ruled her death a suicide.

To read more about this investigation and to view crime scene photographs, please visit the Cold Case Gallery.

Anyone with information about the victim is asked to call Detective Rich Lewis at (505) 924-6095. He may also be contacted by sending an email or text message to rlewis@cabq.gov.

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Mayor Recognizes Six Detectives Who Solved the Michael Snyder Cold Case

Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized on Friday six Albuquerque police detectives who worked for years to solve one of the city’s most high profile cold case homicides.

Detectives Mark Wilson, Tod Babcock, Sally Dyer, Rich Lewis, Dan Torgrimson and Ida Lopez received this week’s Friday’s Hero award. Every Friday Mayor Berry and Public Safety Director Darren White recognize at least one public safety employee who has gone above the call of duty. Mayor Berry presented the detectives the Police Chief’s Coffee Mug. Full Story>>

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Mayor, Construction Industry Unveil New Identification System to Prevent Thefts

Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry and members of the Construction Industry Crime Alliance (CICA) unveiled a new identification system Tuesday that will make it difficult for thieves to sell stolen equipment.

At CICA’s monthly meeting Tuesday, the city provided the alliance’s members a unique identification number that can be engraved onto tools and equipment. The city also provided CICA members decals with their identification number. Full Story >>

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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

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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 >>

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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 >>

 

 

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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 >>

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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>>

 

 

 

 

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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>>

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Mayor Recognizes Police Dispatcher Who Help Save Suicidal Man

Music was blaring in the back ground and the voice on the other end of the phone was muffled. It a deep tone it kept saying “I slit my wrist” and “my life isn’t worth living.” The phone disconnected

It was up to Albuquerque Police Dispatcher Cheryl Kirk to get the man help and since the call was made on a cell phone she had little to go on. All she knew was that the call came from a neighborhood in the 6100 block of Indian School.

Full Story

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Mayor Richard J. Berry Recognizes Three Public Safety Heroes

A police officer and two firefighters whose actions last week in two separate incidents potentially saved dozens of lives were recognized Friday by Mayor Richard J. Berry for their heroic efforts.

Fire Lt. Kevin Ferguson, firefighter Michael Kolbusz and police officer Eric Martinez received this week’s Friday’s Heroes award. Every week Mayor Berry recognizes public safety employees who acted heroically and go above and beyond the call of duty. Full Story >>

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West Side Apartments Ordered Closed

Today Albuquerque Public Safety Director Darren White ordered the closure of the Western Palisades Apartment Complex.

For the past five days city inspectors have tried to convince the property’s landlord to address hundreds of violations at the 32-unit complex. On Monday, after a contractor hired by the landlord to make repairs walked off the job, White ordered the facility to be declared substandard.

On Saturday, city inspectors gave the landlord 48 hours notice to fix the problems at the apartment complex or it would be shut down.

"This is the last thing we wanted to do," White said. "We did everything within our power to compel the landlord to live up to his responsibility to his tenants." Full Story >>

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Traffic Restrictions for Jan. 8 on West Central

On Friday, Jan. 8, Albuquerque police officers will be intermittently stopping traffic on Central Avenue while production crews film a movie.

The traffic control will occur between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. and will affect east and west traffic between Rio Grande and San Felipe. Traffic will not be stopped longer than five minutes. Albuquerque police officers will be on scene directing traffic.

Passion Play Productions requested a film permit for the traffic stoppage last month.

Full Story >>

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Mayor Orders Independent Study of Traffic Camera Enforcement Program

Mayor Richard J. Berry has ordered an independent study to be conducted of the city's traffic camera enforcement program.

The study will examine crashes, citations, timing of yellow lights, fiscal data and contractual terms with Redflex, the company that provides the equipment for the program. Full Story >>

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West Mesa Reward Increased to $100,000

Mayor Berry Pledges $35,000 in City funds for information leading to arrest

Mayor Richard J. Berry ordered the Albuquerque Police Department Thursday to designate $35,000 toward a reward for information leading to the arrest in the West Mesa murder case.

The reward now stands at $100,000. The FBI previously committed $50,000 and the families of the 12 victims have raised $15,000.

Full Story >>

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APD Takes Honors in K9 Competition

Two Albuquerque police officers and their four-legged partners took home honors in the Fourth Annual Southwest Regional Police K9 trials.

Officer Ivan Varela and his partner Boyke finished first in the tactical movement challenge and second in open obedience.

Officer Scott Weimerskirch and his is partner, Doc, finished second in the building search competition and third in the open obedience competition.

The competition was held Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 in Albuquerque.

Full Story >>

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Serial Thief Sentenced to 16 Years

Albuquerque Police Chief and Public Safety Director Attend Sentencing

One of the city's most prolific thieves was sentenced to 16 years in prison Monday.

Melissa Chezem was facing a maximum of a 28-year sentence when District Court Judge Kenneth Martinez sentenced her. She had pleaded guilty to 13 theft-related charges. There were more than 100 victims and more than $100,000 worth of property was stolen.

Full Story >>

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Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz Promotes Two Deputy Chiefs

Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz shaped his new command staff Wednesday by promoting two new deputy chiefs.

The promotions of Allen Banks and Beth Paiz will change the look of Schultz's administration. Previously, APD had four deputy chiefs but three have since retired. Schultz used the opportunity to consolidate one of the bureaus giving him a command staff of three deputy chiefs.

Full Story >>

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City Leaders Break Ground on New Police Area Command

City Leaders broke ground Wednesday on the Michael King-Richard Smith police sub station.

The area command, which oversees patrol functions for the city's Northwest Side, has been operating out of a temporary building located near Coors and Ellison NW since April 2008. The new station will be at the same location and construction is expected be complete by May 2011. The building is projected to cost $5.2 million.

Full Story >>

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Up-to-Date Crime Mapping

The Albuquerque Police Department is now making local up-to-date crime data available to the public through CrimeMapping.com.

This easy-to-use Web-based service provides neighborhood crime information to citizens in near real-time. Community members can access this information for free, empowering them to make informed decisions to help improve the safety of their families, friends, property and the community at large.

For more information, please visit www.CrimeMapping.com

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Legal Notice: Destruction of Unclaimed Property

The Albuquerque Police Department intends to dispose of a number of items acquired during its regular course of business. The legal owners of these items are either unknown or have failed to respond to all attempts to contact them.

If you are the rightful owner of an item included on the attached list(s), immediately contact the Evidence Unit at (505) 823-4600 or (505) 823-4616.

Proof of ownership, as well as verification of eligibility via background questions, will be required prior to the return of any property. Items not claimed within 30 days of this notice will be destroyed pursuant to state law.

Current list of items scheduled for disposal.