On Friday, Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized an Albuquerque police officer whose swift action and keen investigative skills prevented a man from being murdered.
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.
“Officer Simmons’ hard work likely saved the life of a man who was the victim of a previous violent crime,” Mayor Berry said. “She was tenacious and ultimately unraveled a plot to kill the man to prevent his testimony.”
On Aug. 14, Officer Simmons was dispatched to the University of New Mexico Hospital on a report that a man was being treated for a gunshot wound to his head. The victim told Officer Simmons that he was shot because he wouldn’t take part in a murder conspiracy.
The victim told the officer that three of his friends were planning to kill a man who was going to testify against one of their acquaintances. The murder target had previously been carjacked and knew the attacker. The gunshot victim didn’t have all of the information about the murder target and his planned attackers. However, Officer Simmons researched APD records and was able to find a report on the carjacking. She immediately requested other officers to check on the welfare of the witness. About the same time an APD sergeant located the three friends and arrested them on attempted murder charges. The victim was found and was okay.
