Police

FBI: Felon Who Shot New Mexico State Police Lt. Jeremy Vaughan Sentenced To 9 Years In Federal Prison

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Caleb Elledge

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE – A Los Lunas man who shot a New Mexico State Police (NMSP) officer during a high-speed chase was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to publicly available court records, on Feb. 11, 2022, NMSP Lt. Jeremy Vaughan was on duty at a gas station in Edgewood when he was alerted to a woman in distress. As Lt. Vaughan approached a vehicle containing the woman and Caleb Elledge, 26, of Los Lunas, Elledge fled, ramming the officer’s vehicle.

A pursuit ensued, Read More

NM State Police Issue Over 2,700 Traffic Citations & Arrest 37 Drunk Drivers During Independence Day C.A.R.E. Operation

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NMSP News:

During the 2024 Independence Day holiday, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) participated in the Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) operation across all roadways within the state.

The goal of the traffic initiative is to increase motorist safety and reduce the number of crashes through a strong law enforcement presence.

Because of the increased volume of traffic during the holiday, NMSP increased its patrol presence during this initiative on roadways throughout all State Police districts on the busiest travel days of the Independence Day weekend, specifically Read More

NMSP: Man Arrested In Santa Fe On Eight Criminal Counts Including Domestic Violence, Kidnapping And Battery

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NMSP News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico State Police (NMSP) officers were dispatched June 20, 2024, to the Presbyterian Hospital at 4801 Beckner Road in Santa Fe, for a report of domestic violence and child abuse.

Officers learned that earlier that day, the adult female victim, her boyfriend Carlos Javier Apodaca, 21, and their 2-year-old daughter drove to Albuquerque to visit a family member. While in Albuquerque, Apodaca and the victim got into an argument. While driving Apodaca repeatedly hit the victim and held a box cutter to her neck and torso. Apodaca forced the victim and her daughter to stay Read More

Lightning Strike Sparks South Fork Fire In New Mexico

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FBI News:

Mescalero – Wildland fire and law enforcement investigators completed the investigation into the cause of the South Fork Fire. The identification of the point of origin and all evidence and data support lightning as the cause of the fire. Human activity and factors did not contribute to the cause.

The investigation was conducted by wildland fire investigators and law enforcement officers from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Bureau of Land Management, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Mescalero Conservation Law Enforcement Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Read More

Prohibited & Permissible Fireworks In Los Alamos County

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COUNTY News:

As July 4th approaches, thoughts turn to outdoor events and of course fireworks. Make sure your Independence Day activities do not turn tragic by following some simple rules and guidelines.

The Los Alamos Fire Department’s (LAFD) Fire Marshal wants to share a list of prohibited and permissible fireworks which is in accordance with New Mexico State Statue, which is the Fireworks Licensing and Safety Act 60-2C7 which describes permissible and non-permissible fireworks.

Remember “legal” does not mean that fireworks are safe; remember these are explosives and should be used Read More

Los Alamos Sees Itself In ‘Paradise Paradox’

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A scene from the screening of ‘Paradise Paradox’ June 24 at SALA Event Center. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com

Small, rural towns can be deceiving. Quaint town centers and close-knit communities seem appealing and add to that some kind of tourist destination like a ski resort and small towns appear as havens from all the turmoil of big cities. The trouble is, a safe haven that is totally immune from troubles, doesn’t exist; so, what happens when significant issues such as depression and suicide find their way into these Read More

FBI: Zuni Man Pleads Guilty To Assault For Kicking Victim

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man pleaded guilty in federal court to charges arising from 2023 assault which resulted in serious bodily injury.

According to publicly available court documents, on Feb. 25, 2023, Christopher Hannaweeke, Sr., 49, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, assaulted John Doe. During the assault, Hannaweeke kicked John Doe in the head and body. As a result, John Doe suffered fractures to his face, extreme physical pain, and had to be hospitalized for a period of time.

The Court ordered that Hannaweeke remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has Read More

Jury Duty Scam Calls Target Los Alamos Residents

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COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Customer Care Center (CCC) staff learned of scam text messages and phone calls that have been going out today. The sender/caller phone number ID on the messages is that of the CCC—(505) 662-8333—however the calls are not originating from that phone number.

CCC staff urges anyone receiving calls or texts from (505) 662-8333 to be aware of the following information.

The Los Alamos County Municipal Court has confirmed that they are not calling/texting jurors who didn’t show up for jury duty.

The texts state, “This is Sgt. Troy Hughes Los Alamos County Sheriff’s Office!” Read More

FBI: Zuni Couple Charged With Assault With Intent To Commit Murder Face Up To 20 Years In Prison

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Zuni couple was charged by indictment with assault with intent to commit murder, conspiracy, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury following a violent attack.

Shannon Concho, 45, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, appeared before a federal judge last week and will remain in custody pending trial, which is scheduled for Sept. 12, 2024.

LouAnn Johnson, 28, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, previously appeared before a federal judge in May and will remain in custody pending trial, which is scheduled for Sept. 12, 2024.

According to the indictment, Read More

State Police To Conduct Checkpoints And Saturation Patrols In Counties Across New Mexico In July 2024

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NMSP News:

STATEWIDE – New Mexico State Police (NMSP) will be conducting sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and registration, insurance and driver’s license checkpoints in all counties across the state during July 2024.

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 Read More