Albuquerque Public Safety Director Darren White recognized on Friday an off-duty Albuquerque police officer who captured a wanted and well known 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.
“So often our heroes are off duty when they do something above the call of duty,” Director White said. “Officer Portillos is a fine example of how dedicated our police officers are.”
On Sept. 8, Portillos, was off-duty shopping at a local shoe store. Portillos saw a man run out of the store attempting to steal a pair of shoes. Officer Portillos followed him to his truck. He used his radio to call for backup and give the description of the shoplifter’s blue Chevy pick-up truck.
Officers Pina, DeFrates and Sgt. Szych arrived on the scene. From the description that Portillos gave them, the officers were able to stop the shoplifter before he left the parking lot.
The thief was identified as Brandon Amador. Amador is a self-admitted gang member and had several felony warrants for shoplifting.
