Latest news with #NewMexicoStatePolice
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
New Mexico State Police crack down on underage drinking at Boots in the Park
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – In just over a year, a newer country music concert series has drawn big crowds to Balloon Fiesta Park, and police say that same event is one they're watching for underage drinking. With a sold-out crowd, 'Boots in the Park' was brought back for a second time to Albuquerque last month. While Balloon Fiesta is used to handling big crowds, there's one element police say makes a big concert series more difficult. 'Unfortunately, when there is big crowds like this and alcohol, there is going to be those few in the crowd,' said New Mexico State Police Public Information Officer Amanda Richards. Story continues below Trending: Rio Rancho High baseball player accused of urinating in water jug no longer faces charges News: VIDEO: Albuquerque man accused of killing 14 dogs denies accusations Environment: Researcher explains why earthquakes are rattling parts of New Mexico New Mexico State Police issued 12 citations at the park for underage drinking, with teens using fake IDs or, in some cases, getting adults to buy alcohol for them. In response, the event organizer sent KRQE News 13 a statement saying: 'Activated Events enforces strict alcohol safety at all festivals through trained bartenders, dedicated ID specialists, and multi-layered age checks. We work closely with local authorities to exceed regulations, reflecting our commitment to responsible service and festival attendee safety.' 'I think it's always possible, right, it's a collaboration between law enforcement, we are there trying to do our part, but it's also up to the alcohol servers as well, right to make sure that there is responsible serving of alcohol as well,' said Richards. While 12 citations may not seem like a big deal compared to the size of the crowd, they know they can't catch everyone. 'It can lead to other things like DWIs or fights or other things like that. Alcohol can have some lasting consequences,' said Richards. They are prepared to make changes if the trend continues. 'If this continues to grow, then of course, State Police will step up and do our part to keep the crowds safe so this event can still be enjoyable to the public,' said Richards. Activated Events said they're planning on bringing 'Boots in the Park' back for 2026, but no dates have been set yet. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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
- General
- Yahoo
New Mexico State Police release video of fatal police shooting in Truth or Consequences
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico State Police have released video of a traffic stop that turned deadly in Truth or Consequences. An NMSP officer stopped 75-year-old Dennis Jones, who had a warrant out for his arrest, but when he pulled a gun on the officer, things took a turn. Juvenile sentenced for 2024 vehicular homicide in Española Dennis Jones had an active arrest warrant for violating his probation in Arizona for sexual assault. When the officer stopped him and told him to step out of the car, police said he drew his gun, and that's when shots were fired. Jones then led the officer on a high-speed chase. Just moments later, Jones stepped out of the car, and the officer told him one last time to back down. Jones began firing, and an officer fired back. Jones died on scene. The district attorney's office is still investigating the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
Body of airman recovered at Elephant Butte Lake, Kirtland Air Force Base says
ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M. (KRQE) – The body of an airman assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base was recovered from Elephant Butte Lake just before 1 p.m. Monday. The airman went missing Saturday night at the lake. At this time, KAFB is withholding the name of the deceased until after next of kin notification has been made. Story continues below Crime: Two ABQ police officers placed on leave in critical pedestrian crash on Central Real Estate: 'Nothing short of a personal resort' luxury property listed for $12M in Santa Fe National: 'I'm sincerely sorry': Billy Joel cancels all concerts due to brain disorder diagnosis Multiple agencies participated in the search and recovery efforts, including New Mexico State Park Rangers, Elephant Butte Fire Department, New Mexico Department of Fish and Game, New Mexico State Police, Texas Department of Public Safety Divers and the Combat Search and Rescue Team from the 306th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The incident remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man sentenced to life for murdering wife in Southern New Mexico desert
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A 57-year-old Louisiana man, described by prosecutors as a career criminal, was found guilty of killing his wife and tampering with evidence by an Otero County jury on Friday, May 23, the 12th Judicial District Attorney's Office (Alamogordo) announced on Sunday night. Shaun Castain LeFleur, 57, of Louisiana, was found guilty in his wife Nancy LeFleur's murder and was sentenced to life in prison, the DA's Office said. He will be nearly 90 years old before he is eligible for parole, the DA's Office said. LeFleur and his wife came to Otero County in late 2023. Shaun LeFleur was living on the run and forcing his wife to come along with him, the DA's Office said. After beating his wife in late 2023, LeFleur was convicted in the Otero County Magistrate Court of battery against a household member, the DA's Office said. At the time of the conviction, LeFleur had already murdered his wife and buried her in a shallow grave in the desert just north of Oliver Lee State Park, outside of Alamogordo. About two months after Nancy LeFleur's murder, a citizen came forward and told authorities that Shaun LeFleur had murdered his wife and buried her in the desert, the DA's Office said. The New Mexico State Police were called in and led the investigation. Shortly after, Nancy LeFleur's body was discovered buried in a shallow grave approximately 1 mile north of Oliver Lee State Park. The site of the burial was just mere feet from a spot where LeFleur had previously been seen camped at, the DA's Office said. The ensuing investigation revealed that Shaun LeFleur and his wife Nancy had been camped near the dispersed camping area outside of the state park south of Alamogordo. From there, Shaun LeFleur moved his camp north into the desert area well away from other people. Shaun LeFleur then began searching the Internet for local places where he could purchase a gun and potential places in Mexico where he could flee to, according to the DA's Office. Then, late one night in February 2024, he forced his wife out of their tent and onto her knees. LeFleur then murdered her in an execution-style shooting, the DA's Office said. He wrapped her body in a tarp and buried her before fleeing to Texas, the DA's Office said. A month later, LeFleur returned to the scene of the murder and set up camp in an effort to discourage people from stumbling upon the body. The investigation spanned multiple states and multiple search warrants were executed. In April of 2024, LeFleur was arrested by the New Mexico State Police while parked alongside the Sunspot highway just outside of Cloudcroft. The case was investigated by the New Mexico State Police and prosecuted by District Attorney Ryan Suggs along with Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Tighe and Assistant District Attorney Taylor Weary. Suggs said after the trial: 'This was an extremely tough case to piece together. I'm extremely proud of my team of prosecutors and staff who worked tirelessly alongside me for the duration of this case. I'm thankful that we were able to bring LeFleur to justice and give the family the closure that they deserved.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
