Police

Chief Weisler’s Statement On NMSP Officer Arrested For DWI

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Chief Troy Weisler

NMSP News:

Following the DWI arrest Friday of New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Ofc. Hugo Diaz-Amaya, NMSP Chief Troy Weisler has issued the following statement:

“Earlier today (Friday), I was informed one of my officers was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI). This news is disappointing and deeply concerning. I want to make it clear no one is above the law, especially those of us who have sworn to uphold it. While my officers are human, and make mistakes, they are also held to a higher standard because of the trust placed in them by the community.

“Officer Diaz-Amaya was Read More

FBI: Dulce Woman Charged With Aggravated Abuse

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Dulce woman has been charged with aggravated sexual abuse and abandonment of a child after an FBI investigation revealed allegations that she repeatedly sexually and physically abused minors over several years.

According to court documents, Muniz is charged with aggravated sexual abuse and abandonment of a child and will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Muniz faces up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Read More

FBI: Shiprock Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Violent Assault

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Shiprock man was sentenced to 4 years in prison for a brutal attack that left the victim with life-threatening injuries.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, Jan. 1, 2024, Tyrell Jordan Benally, 26, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe at a residence in Shiprock, New Mexico. Benally repeatedly struck Jane Doe with a closed fist and strangled her until she lost consciousness. As a result, Jane Doe suffered serious bodily injury, including life-threatening injuries from the strangulation.

Upon his release from Read More

Los Alamos Police Department Announces Temporary Jersey Barrier Placement For Public Safety

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Map depicting approximate location of Jersey Barriers. Courtesy/LAC

LAPD News:

Los Alamos County will be placing temporary jersey barriers starting at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3 at Ashley Pond Park to enhance public safety during upcoming events.

Motorists should anticipate lane closures along Trinity Drive during barrier placement.

This work is scheduled to be completed by Saturday afternoon.

These barriers will be positioned along the south side of Ashley Pond Park, specifically along the west side of Trinity Drive, along the sidewalk in the grass, and will remain in place throughout Read More

FBI: Albuquerque Man Sentenced In Federal Firearms Case Adopted From Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A previously convicted felon has been sentenced to 84 months in prison after violently assaulting his pregnant partner and threatening her with a loaded rifle during a domestic incident.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, Aug. 13, 2023, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a violent domestic assault at a residence in the South Valley. The victim, who was six months pregnant, reported that Marlando Luis Martinez, 36, had physically assaulted her throughout the night, including punching her, Read More

FBI: Man Sentenced To 12 Years In Prison For Armed Standoff And Shootout With Law Enforcement

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Zuni Pueblo man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison following an armed standoff with law enforcement.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on July 6, 2024, law enforcement responded to a disturbance at a residence in Zuni, where Eric Bowannie, 28, barricaded himself inside his home and fired multiple rounds at responding Zuni Police Department officers.

During the incident, Bowannie charged an officer with an ax, retrieved a shotgun and a rifle, and repeatedly fired at officers positioned outside the residence. FBI agents Read More

FBI: Woman Pleads Guilty To Involuntary Manslaughter In Fatal Drunk Driving Incident On Navajo Nation

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Thoreau woman has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter after driving while intoxicated and fatally striking John Doe with her vehicle following an altercation.

According to court records, on the morning of May 28, 2023, Nora Abeita, 50, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and several others, including the victim, John Doe, consumed alcohol together. After an altercation with John Doe, Abeita attempted to leave the residence with a friend. While driving away, Abeita struck John Doe with their vehicle. She did not immediately realize she had run Read More

FBI: Jaremy Smith Sentenced To Life In Prison For New Mexico State Officer’s Murder

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Jaremy Smith has been sentenced to life in prison for a violent crime spree that culminated with the murder of Officer Justin Hare in New Mexico.

There is no parole in the federal system.

March 15, 2024, Smith encountered NMSP Officer Justin Hare in Tucumcari, New Mexico, when Officer Hare stopped to assist Smith with a flat tire on the BMW. When Officer Hare pulled over behind the BMW, Smith exited the driver’s side of his car and approached the passenger window of Officer Hare’s patrol car. After a short discussion, Officer Hare asked Smith to walk to the front Read More

Los Alamos County Parks And Open Space Division Addresses Ongoing Vandalism In Public Areas

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Recent vandalism at the Ashley Pond Park restrooms. Courtesy/LAC

Recent vandalism on a newly installed retaining wall at the North Mesa Ball Fields. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos County Parks and Open Space Division is urging the community to take a stand against a troubling rise in vandalism at public parks, trails and recreational areas.

The recent increase in destructive behavior is taking a serious toll on community assets, draining public resources, delaying improvement projects and diminishing the enjoyment of public spaces for all.

Over the past several weeks, Parks Read More

State Police Checkpoints And Saturation Patrols In Counties Across New Mexico In May 2025

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NMSP News:

State Police will be conducting sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols; and registration, insurance, and driver’s license checkpoints in all New Mexico counties during May 2025.

We are bringing awareness to these events to reduce impaired driving-related fatalities through continued media attention and intensive advertising. 

These checkpoints are helping to change society’s attitude about driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.

Hundreds of lives could be saved each year if every driver had the courage to make the right decision Read More