Ruidoso Man Severus Salas Arrested After Bomb Threat Forced Evacuation of Both Alamogordo Walmarts

Alamogordo, NM — January 6, 2026

The Alamogordo Police issued a release stating that a 50-year-old man from Ruidoso has been arrested in connection with a bomb threat that led to the evacuation of both Walmart stores in Alamogordo more than two months ago.

Severus Salas, a current employee of American Medical Response (AMR), was taken into custody without incident on January 3, 2026, at Christus Health in Alamogordo. He was subsequently booked into the Otero County Detention Center and is awaiting his first appearance in Otero County Magistrate Court.

Salas faces two counts of Making a Bomb Scare, a fourth-degree felony under New Mexico law.

The incident dates back to October 18, 2025, when, at approximately 1:42 p.m., the Tularosa Basin Regional Dispatch Authority received a call from a blocked number claiming there was a bomb at Walmart. The caller hung up before specifying which location, prompting authorities to err on the side of caution by notifying and evacuating both Walmart stores in the city. Alamogordo Town News and KALHRadio.org released the story initially as an evolving story on the 18th of October.

A multi-agency response ensued, involving the Alamogordo Police Department (APD), Otero County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police, fire and EMS units, and explosive detection K9 teams from Holloman Air Force Base. Perimeters were established, evacuations were assisted, and thorough searches were conducted at both stores. No explosive devices were found, and the scenes were eventually cleared.

APD detectives launched an immediate investigation, tracing the call to a phone number. Emergency requests for location data showed the device moving through Alamogordo and Otero County at the time. Search warrants for records later identified Salas as the subscriber. Evidence indicated that caller ID blocking had been activated just prior to the threat. An arrest warrant was issued based on these findings.

The October threat came amid heightened local concerns about similar incidents.

Just days earlier, threats had targeted Betty Dare Senior Homes and Alamogordo High School, leading to separate investigations and arrests in those cases, including one involving a local employee. Community reports at the time raised alarms about a potential pattern of false threats disrupting public spaces.

False bomb threats carry serious consequences, diverting critical emergency resources and causing widespread disruption. Each count against Salas could result in up to 18 months in prison and fines.

The Alamogordo Police Department emphasized the thoroughness of the investigation, which spanned nearly three months before leading to the arrest. No further threats have been linked to Salas at this time.

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