The state police force that helps Albuquerque fight violent crime makes 93 criminal arrests | Local news

State officials praised the first results of an ongoing New Mexico State Police operation to combat violent crime in the Bernalillo District.

State police reported 93 criminal arrests, including 58 of suspects with violent criminal records. In addition, according to a press release from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, arrests were made for crimes ranging from DWI to narcotics to firearms.

The officers recorded a total of 160 arrests.

The operation involved the temporary deployment of 35 state police officers from various offices to combat violent crimes in the greater Albuquerque area and Bernalillo district. It began on August 17th and is expected to be extended for another week after the New Mexico State Fair closes on Sunday.

“By arresting violent refugees wanted for aggravated assault, armed robbery, and drug distribution, we not only take repeat offenders off the streets, but we can also gain valuable insights that will help solve additional crimes and defeat larger criminals.” in the region, “state police chief Tim Johnson said in the press release.

The governor’s office has pointed to arrests of suspects such as Darrien Mells, who were charged with first degree murder in the shooting of a man at a Chevron gas station following an argument. Other achievements cited included the arrest of suspects reportedly involved in a drive-by shooting in San Juan County, a driver found with 300 fentanyl pills, and the finding of a suspect who, according to a press release, was charged with guns and ammunition violations.

The tactical operation in Albuquerque follows the scheme established through similar efforts between state police and local authorities in other parts of the state, including counties of Valencia and McKinley.

Tripp Stelnicki, a spokesman for the governor’s office, said Lujan Grisham is determined to combat violent crime in a variety of ways that involve the judicial system and other key agencies.

“The governor believes that combating violent crime requires an entire criminal justice system – from cities and counties to police officers and courts – working together to find, arrest and bring violent criminals to justice,” Stelnicki wrote in one on Wednesday E-mail.

When asked if the operation is likely to have a lasting impact on violent crime, Lauren Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for the 2nd, said state police had made more arrests in the area than in an average of three weeks.