New Mexico State Police Action Around the State

At Tucumcari, New Mexico on February 16, 2024, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Tactical Team responded to a request from Tucumcari Police Department (TPD), regarding a barricaded subject.

The situation unfolded after an altercation behind the Allsups convenience store on south Second Street involving a male identified as Edwin Ruben Corrales Gutierrez, 39, who brandished a machete during an argument with another individual.

Officers initiated a short pursuit with Gutierrez which culminated with him barricading himself inside his vehicle on South First street. It was reported Gutierrez was also in possession of a firearm, prompting immediate action by law enforcement to contain the situation.

In response to the escalated situation, the TPD requested NMSP Tactical Team. The Tactical Team responded, along with NMSP Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT). After nearly five hours, the NMSP Tactical Team successfully apprehended Gutierrez without further incident. Gutierrez was evaluated by medical personnel at the scene and refused further medical treatment.

For details regarding the charges against Gutierrez, please direct all inquiries to the Tucumcari Police Department.

In Las Cruces, New Mexico, the New Mexico State Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit (FAU), with assistance from the US Marshals Service (USMS) arrested a man wanted on an active felony warrant of child sex abuse.

On February 13, 2024, New Mexico State Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit with assistance from the USMS, served a warrant on Miguel Florentino (31) stemming from 2 counts of Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor in the second degree (child under 13) and Criminal Sexual Penetration in the first degree (child under 13).

Following surveillance, Florentino was observed at a residence on Higgins Lane in Las Cruces. A plan was developed by FAU and USMS to surround the house and Florentino was taken into custody without further incident.

“It is great to see our agency work with our federal partners to apprehend a wanted individual with serious felony charges against a child. We will continue to utilize every resource we have to locate and apprehend criminals who hurt others, especially children.” said New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler.

“There is no duty more important than ensuring the safety of the children of our communities. Anybody that harms our children will be brought to justice.” said District of New Mexico Acting U.S. Marshall Russell Lashley.

The Las Cruces Police Department is the investigating agency for this case. Please reach out to them for any inquiries.

Statewide Traffic Operation Keeps New Mexico Roads Safe.  Statewide, on February 15, 2024, the New Mexico State Police conducted a statewide traffic operation. The five-hour operation focused on speeding and unsafe driving practices on roadways across the state.

The operation yielded:

• 700 Traffic Citations
• 50 CMV Inspections
• 19 Arrests (5 Felony)
• 3 CMV Left Lane Citations

Ensuring the motoring public's safety, New Mexico State Police officers will continue to patrol roadways in all areas of the state throughout the year.

In Roswell, Hobbs, Carlsbad New Mexico, the New Mexico State Police officers arrested 11 individuals between February 10 through February 15, 2024.

State Police officers stationed in Roswell, Hobbs, and Carlsbad continue to make high volumes of arrests in these areas. Officers were able to arrest 11 subjects on a variety of offenses.

Many of these arrests continue to occur by officers being proactive on the roadways and locating individuals with active warrants.

On February 10, 2024, an officer conducted a traffic stop and observed the driver of the vehicle, Gonzalo Marquez (38) showing signs of being impaired. After Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were administered, Marquez was placed under arrest for DWI. While being searched, 3.4 grams of suspected methamphetamine was located on his person. He was subsequently arrested on charges of DWI, possession of a controlled substance and other traffic infractions.

Officers conducted a traffic stop on February 7, 2024, and arrested a female for concealing identity because the information she was giving officers was not correct. It was later learned through fingerprint identification she was identified as Jennifer Owens (37). She had 2 felony warrants out of Colorado for parole violation and failure to appear.

New Mexico State Police and McKinley County Sheriff’s Office collaborate in successful warrant operation arresting 7 individuals. On February 15, 2024, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) District 6, in conjunction with the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office, executed a successful warrant operation in McKinley County, NM.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 7 individuals, including the apprehension of Samuel Sandoval (39). During the operation 5 misdemeanor warrants and 2 felony warrants were served. One of the felony arrests involved Samuel Sandoval. While at a residence on Third St. in Gallup, belonging to a relative of Sandoval, Officers and Deputies saw a male moving around a pop-up camper on the property. Officers and Deputies approached the camper, identified themselves and a tense standoff ensued as Sandoval brandished a firearm and pointed it at law enforcement. Sandoval also claimed to have an explosive device with him inside the camper.

In response to the escalating situation NMSP Tactical Team, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) were dispatched to the scene. A short time later, Sandoval surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody without further incident.

A search of the camper led to the discovery of a .50 caliber muzzle loader rifle. Sandoval was arrested for 2 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and felon in possession charges. Additionally, he was wanted on two felony warrants for trafficking narcotics.

Sandoval’s arrest culminates with a lengthy legal process that began with his evasion from authorities following a jury trial where he was found guilty.

The New Mexico State Police is dedicated to the apprehension of dangerous individuals like Sandoval and will continue to conduct warrant operations like this throughout the state.

The New Mexico State Police conduct warrant operation in Las Cruces. On February 6 and 7, 2024, New Mexico State Police Crime Suppression Bureau (CSB), Fugitive Apprehension Unit, along with the United States Marshals Service and the New Mexico Corrections Department’s Security Threat Intelligence Unit (STIU) conducted a warrant operation in Las Cruces, NM.

The operation in Las Cruces focused on locating and apprehending individuals with active warrants. The following 9 individuals were arrested:

Aldo Nava (24) - probation violation

Robert Daggett (35) - probation violation

Heidi Pokusa (53) – trafficking/possession of controlled substance

Gregoria Aguirre (40) - failure to appear (receipt, transportation or possession of a firearm or destructive device by a felon

Marissa Garcia (29) - probation violation

Julian Zamora (33) - probation violation

Elias Lazarin (37) - residential burglary

Jacob Escalante (37) - shoplifting (new charges Battery on Law Enforcement Officer-with deadly weapon, aggravated battery, aggravated fleeing law enforcement officer, resisting, evading law enforcement officer)

Monique Rojas (27) - possession of controlled substance

The New Mexico State Police will continue to conduct warrant operations like this throughout the state. For the latest updates on police activity follow KALHRadio.org and AlamogordoTownNews.com and on Newsbreak at https://www.newsbreak.com/@c/1600566?s=01

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