APD, U.S. Marshal Service and partners apprehend wanted fugitive
ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department along with the U.S. Marshal Service have arrested Kalani Hodges, a fugitive wanted since 2022.
On October 30, 2022 71 year-old Nena Johnson was driving along Coors Boulevard and St. Josephs Dr. when she was struck by another vehicle traveling at an incredibly high rate of speed. Johnson died on scene and the driver of the other vehicle and several passengers took off on foot and fled from the scene.
Shortly after the crash Hodges, 23, was identified as the driver from personal belongings in the vehicle and by witnesses who stated he’d been drinking before the crash.
Hodges was known to both APD and the Marshals for a homicide he served time for as a juvenile. He had just been released from custody for those charges in 2022 shortly before the crash. In 2018, Hodges was named as a suspect in three shootings, one that left a man dead, and another shooting that left a man blind in one eye.
On Monday, December 23, Albuquerque Police Officers, U.S. Marshal Southwest Fugitive Team, along with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, served a warrant at a residence in the International District, a location Hodges was known to frequent. Initially when Marshals approached, Hodges would not comply with commands but around 5:00p.m., they were able to take him in to custody without incident.
“I’m grateful for the relationships with our law enforcement partners that we were able to apprehend a violent offender who’d been on the run for years,” said Chief Harold Medina. “I hope this brings some sense of peace to the victim’s family just before the holidays, that he is now behind bars.”
“The United States Marshals Service is dedicated to joining forces with our law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime, “ said U.S. Marshal David O. Barnett, Jr. “We are committed to working together to improve the lives of our New Mexico communities. ”
Hodges was a Metro 15 offender and a high priority for multiple agencies given his lengthy record. Hodges was booked and remains in the Metropolitan Detention Center on charges of Homicide by Vehicle (DWI), Leaving the scene of an accident involving death, and Reckless driving.
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