Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized on Friday a Bernalillo County Sheriff Deputy who was shot while apprehending a well-known drug dealer.
Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized on Friday a Bernalillo County Sheriff Deputy who was shot while apprehending a well-known drug dealer.
Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin McKinney, a three-year veteran and a member of the Sheriff’s SWAT team, 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. Sherriff Manuel Gonzales also recognized his deputy during a ceremony Friday.
“Law enforcement is a dangerous job,” Mayor Berry said. “Thankfully we have heroes like Deputy McKinney who are brave enough to serve our community despite those dangers.”
On Aug. 26, McKinney was helping to execute a “high risk” search warrant at a suspected drug dealer’s home inside Albuquerque’s city limits. As the SWAT team was entering the home, the suspect began firing shots striking McKinney’s leg.
The alleged drug dealer was arrested shortly after McKinney was shot. He is facing federal firearms charges and state charges of tampering with evidence, aggravated assault on an officer and aggravated battery on an officer.
The bullet that struck McKinney did not hit any bones or arteries. The deputy is still recovering from his injuries at home.
