APD Arrests Suspect in Road Rage Murder

APD Arrests Suspect in Road Rage Murder

Wednesday, 11/24/2021

ALBUQUERQUE - The Albuquerque Police Department today arrested Joshua Butler for the fatal shooting during a road rage incident in Old Town.

According to a witness, the drivers of two vehicles were engaged in what appeared to be road rage on Oct. 6, as they drove along Central Ave from Atrisco Blvd to Rio Grande Blvd. The driver of a gray Honda Odyssey minivan, later identified as Nelson Gallegos, stopped while traffic was still moving, got out of his vehicle and walked around the rear of his van until a truck passed. Gallegos threw a piece of drywall striking the front driver’s side of a passing, gray Chevrolet extended cab truck. The driver of the truck fired a gun, striking and killing Gallegos.

Through investigation, detectives determined Butler, 29, was the driver of the truck when the shooting occurred. Butler is charged with an open count of murder and tampering with evidence. He has been booked into the Metro Detention Center.

Several APD units assisted the Homicide Unit with this investigation, including the Major Scene Crime Team, the Digital Intel Team, the Real Time Crime Center, and Crime Stoppers.

APD has advocates for victims of violent crimes, including domestic violence and sex crimes. Victims, including family of homicide victims, can call 505-924-6028 to reach one of the advocates. Victim advocates can also be reached by email: [email protected].

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