Officer Suffered Smoke Inhalation and is Expected to Fully Recover
Photo Courtesy of Brad Chambers
By Officer Tasia Martinez
Albuquerque Police Officer Robert Mitchell is recovering from smoke inhalation in a local hospital after saving several people, including a baby, from their burning homes on Thursday Morning.
Officer Mitchell was nearing the end of his graveyard shift in Southeast Albuquerque when he drove up on an 8-plex apartment building engulfed in flames. Screaming could be heard from within the homes. Officer Mitchell entered the burning apartments, rescuing people, several pets and a newborn baby from the fire. All of the occupants escaped the fire without injuries. Officer Mitchell suffered smoke inhalation and was transported to the hospital where his loved ones have joined him.
Officer Mitchell was also assisted by an off duty Bernalillo County Fire Department Divisional Chief at the scene. The Albuquerque Fire Department arrived shortly thereafter and quickly extinguished the flames. The residential complex was completely destroyed by the fire. AFD will investigate the cause of the fire and the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced families with housing.
