Latest news with #NMSP
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Man dead in officer-involved shooting with New Mexico State Police in T or C
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, N.M. (KRQE) — New Mexico State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting from Tuesday in Truth or Consequences. According to NMSP, shots were fired between an officer and a wanted man, who was fatally struck. A NMSP officer pulled over a white GMC pickup truck being driven by 75-year-old Dennis Ritchie Jones, of Las Cruces, at about 12:09 p.m. A query ran on Jones' license plate showed he had an active arrest warrant for probation violation involving sexual assault out of Arizona. Story continues below Larry Barker Investigation: Free rides on the New Mexico justice train Tech News: A bond stronger than science: Family works in tandem at Verus Research National: 'Largest fentanyl bust ever': DEA recovers millions of pills in ABQ According to NMSP, an altercation ensued during the traffic stop. An officer fired in Jones' direction. Jones fled from the scene in his truck. A pursuit began on NM Highway 181 – north of Truth or Consequences. An officer caught up to the vehicle stopped in the middle of High Winds Road. NMSP says an officer gave commands to Jones, who started firing at the officer. The officer returned fire. Jones was pronounced dead on the scene. The officer was not injured. 'The officer has been placed on standard administrative leave. New Mexico State Police act solely as factfinders in their investigation and conduct an unbiased and impartial investigation. In officer-involved shootings, NMSP thoroughly documents the scene, collects evidence, and interviews officers, subjects, and witnesses. In turn, NMSP compiles facts as detailed as possible and forwards all reports to the appropriate district attorney for their review. The New Mexico State Police does not determine whether an officer's actions were justified; this determination rests solely with the district attorney's office.' — New Mexico State Police NMSP says the identity of the officer will not be released until interviews have been completed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Albuquerque police shooting, Teen arrested, Warmer and stormier, New Mexico drought, Badger study
Treasurer of NM Democratic party abruptly resigns 5 weeks into the job NM lawmakers learn about the potential impact of federal funding cuts to SNAP NMSP release video of fatal police shooting in Truth or Consequences Traffic to be delayed for several days on portion of Eubank in Albuquerque Juvenile sentenced for 2024 vehicular homicide in Española Teen convicted of shooting 15-year-old during fight over gun Scientists ID new prehistoric sea creature: Nearly 40 feet long with 'crushing' teeth [1] Police canine, suspect killed in officer-involved shooting near Sunport – An investigation is underway after an officer-involved shooting near the Albuquerque Sunport left a suspect dead. Chief Harold Medina says detectives tracked a suspect to the Comfort Inn near the Sunport around 10 p.m. Wednesday. Police say the suspect tried leaving the hotel, but ran back inside when he saw them. APD says the suspect jumped out of a second story window and a police canine assisted in stopping him. [2] 4th teen arrested for role in hitting and killing man riding his bike to work – APD have arrested a fourth teen for his alleged role in the 2024 murder of Scott Habermehl, who was riding his bike to work. Investigators say Elijah Engelking, who was 15 at the time, was in the stolen car accused of intentionally crashing into Habermehl. APD previously arrested 13-year-old Johnathan Overbay, 15-year-old William Garcia, and 11-year-old Messiah Hayes in the case. APD says several people told detectives they recognized the sound of his voice when the video was posted on social media. Detectives determined Engelking also shared details about the crash and the investigation with friends through social media conversations. [3] Hotter temperatures around the state and stronger storms form in eastern NM – Isolated rain and thunderstorm chances continue in parts of New Mexico through this weekend. The highest chances for rain will be across the central mountain chain and in eastern New Mexico. Temperatures across New Mexico will also continue to heat up through Friday, when high temperatures will be well-above average statewide. The heat will stick around for most of the state through Sunday. [4] Governor declares state of emergency due to severe drought in New Mexico – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared a state of emergency due to severe drought in New Mexico. The order was issued last Thursday and assembles a task force to coordinate a response, including helping communities conserve water, and share resources to other local and tribal governments. The task force also has until July 31 to recommend short-term measures to reduce wildfire risk. [5] ABQ Parks and Rec conducting badger study – The Albuquerque Department of Parks and Recreation is enlisting the help of residents for a new study. Anyone who's captured a photo of a badger in the area is asked to send it in. They ask that all photos clearly show the animal's head stripe, which functions like its fingerprint. They have not released the exact details of the study, but say the photos will help shape future land management. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
New Mexico State Police concludes Las Cruces operation with seizures, arrests
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — New Mexico State Police (NMSP) concluded Operation Deep Pockets in Las Cruces with arrests and seizures of multiple narcotics, according to the department on Friday, May 23. According to NMSP, Operation Deep Pockets is a joint effort led by NMSP's Crime Suppression Bureau, with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department and U.S. Border Patrol. The operation began in January 2025 'in response to citizen complaints regarding suspected drug activity,' NMSP said. The months-long operation focused on combating drug-related crime in Las Cruces with multiple NMSP divisions, including Investigations, Special Operations and NMSP officers, according to the department. Officers and agents executed warrants at numerous locations, where they had received multiple complaints of continuous narcotic activity, according to NMSP. Data was compiled by NMSP analysts with agents mapping high-crime areas and launching a 'series of targeted enforcement actions,' NMSP said. NMSP Tactical Team, Las Cruces SWAT and Border Patrol's BORTAC Unit served the warrants and searched the homes. According to NMSP, one search of a residence revealed thousands of used needles and numerous pieces of burned foil, commonly associated with fentanyl use. In addition, a search of another residence revealed roughly 63 grams of cocaine, 8 grams of methamphetamine and 3 pounds of marijuana, NMSP said. There were also multiple firearms located and seized during the search. 'This operation's mission was defined by collaborative efforts between agencies and their direct response to community concerns. The impact was felt immediately throughout the neighborhood as residents approached officers and expressed their gratitude for cleaning up their communities,' read the news release by NMSP. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Las Cruces man killed in shootout with State Police during traffic incident
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways May 7—A Las Cruces man wanted on a probation violation was killed in a noon shootout with a New Mexico State Police officer north of Truth or Consequences on Tuesday. Dennis Jones, 75, was pronounced dead at the scene on N.M. 181, NMSP spokesperson Ricardo Breceda said in a news release Wednesday, updating the incident. According to the police, an officer pulled over Jones around 12:10 p.m. after running his license plate and finding that Jones was wanted in Arizona on a probation violation in connection with a sexual assault case. Police said during the traffic stop, "an altercation ensued," and the officer fired at least one shot from his pistol at Jones, who stayed in his pickup truck and fled onto N.M. 181. "The officer caught up to the vehicle, which had stopped in the middle of High Winds Road," Breceda said in the release. "The officer gave commands to Jones, who then began firing at the officer. The officer returned fire with his duty-issued rifle. After the exchange of gunfire, officers approached the vehicle and located Jones unresponsive." The officer, whose name won't be released until interviews are completed, was not injured. He has since been put on administrative leave, which is standard.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
State police officer accused of crashing into road signs while under the influence
May 5—A New Mexico State Police officer was allegedly under the influence of pain medicine when he was in two crashes in Rio Rancho on Friday. Hugo Diaz Amaya, 33, of Rio Rancho, is charged with driving while under the influence of drugs, first offense, two counts of reckless driving and failure to give immediate notice of accidents. He was released on personal recognizance, according to court records. Diaz Amaya's arrest is the second involving a police officer in two days. Albuquerque Police Officer Jonathan Franco was arrested at a DWI checkpoint on Saturday night. Diaz Amaya was placed on administrative leave and "appropriate disciplinary action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation," NMSP Chief Troy Weisler said in a statement. "I want to make it clear no one is above the law, especially those of us who have sworn to uphold it," Weisler said. "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." At 3:08 p.m. Friday, the Rio Rancho Police Department responded to a call for an agency assist. When officers arrived, they found a crashed truck at the intersection of Enchanted Hills NE and Jaeger NE, according to a statement of probable cause filed in Sandoval County Magistrate Court. Officers learned Diaz Amaya was involved in two crashes, police said. The first took place on U.S. 550 between N.M. 528 and Santa Ana Star Casino, where he drove onto oncoming traffic forcing another vehicle to swerve off the road, according to the statement of probable cause. The second crash happened near New Mexico Bank and Trust in the 7800 block of Enchanted Hills, near N.M. 528, where he hit road signs and multiple curbs, police said. Diaz Amaya told officers he crashed near the casino and did not stop because he did not have insurance; however, he denied crashing near the bank, the probable cause states. Police said Diaz Amaya had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and almost fell over while walking. He told police he took medicine for back pain Thursday night, according to the statement of probable cause. Diaz Amaya then failed the standard field sobriety test, police said. "I recognize that incidents like this can damage public confidence, and I will continue to stay committed to holding all my officers accountable for their actions," Weisler said. "His conduct does not reflect the values and integrity that define a New Mexico State Police officer. Those who tarnish this badge have no place in this agency."
