UPDATE: APD investigating fifth shooting involving local elected officials
Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023
UPDATE:
APD detectives have learned about a fifth shooting that may be tied to the string of shootings involving elected officials.
Multiple shots were reported in December at the former campaign office of Raul Torrez, who was elected as New Mexico Attorney General. Following the November election, Torrez had already moved out of the office on Park Ave. S.W. But during the early morning hours of Dec. 10, 2022, APD’s ShotSpotter system detected multiple gunshots in the area of the building.
APD officers collected evidence at the time of the shooting. The evidence is now being evaluated in connection with the shootings related to four other local, elected officials in Albuquerque.
APD investigating fourth shooting involving local elected officials
Public Urged to call Police or Crime Stoppers with tips
ALBUQUERQUE – APD detectives are investigating a shooting today that appears to have been directed at the law office of a state senator. This is the fourth shooting in the past month directed at homes or a business of local elected leaders – two county commissioners and two state senators -- in Albuquerque.
Nobody was injured in the shootings, which resulted in damage to three homes. Detectives are working to determine whether the shootings are related.
Police were dispatched this morning to a report of gun shots heard in the area of a Downtown law office where state Sen. Moe Maestas works. APD’s ShotSpotter system registered three shots fired at the same location at 11:41 a.m. Officers did not find any damage to the building.
“Fortunately, nobody has been injured by these shootings,” APD Chief Harold Medina said. “But every time someone fires a gun into a home or business, there is a potential for tragedy. Our detectives are working overtime to track down the offender or offenders and hold them responsible.”
“Our elected officials have chosen to serve, they should never be made to feel in danger in the comfort of their own homes,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “I have personally spoken with each of the victims, and we are working with them and other elected officials help provide any information about these incidents and also help them feel safe and be safe.”
The first shooting occurred Dec. 4, 2022, at the home of Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa in Southeast Albuquerque. Someone shot 8 rounds at 4:41 p.m. at Commissioner Barboa’s home.
The second shooting occurred Dec. 11, 2022 at the home of then-Bernalillo Commissioner Debbie O’Malley in the North Valley. More than a dozen gunshot impacts were identified on walls and the house.
The third shooting occurred Jan. 3, 2023, at the home of State Sen. Linda Lopez in Southwest Albuquerque. At least eight shots were fired at her home after Midnight.
Anyone with information about any of the shootings is asked to call police at 505-242-COPS or Crime Stoppers at 505-843-STOP.
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