Recent Press Releases
Updated 12-15-11
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01-24-11
Warrant Round-Up
Over a three day period, officers fanned out over both counties with active
warrant lists in hand. All arrests were made without incident, although some
resulted in additional charges, such as possession of marijuana and possession
of methamphetamines.
Members of the fugitive task force that participated in this operation include
the U.S. Marshals, FBI, Ruidoso Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff's
Department, Adult Probation & Parole, BIA, the NM Livestock Board and
numerous Otero County law enforcement agencies.
Citizens are urged to clear up any outstanding warrants they may have because
future warrant round-ups are being planned. Officers look for wanted persons
in a number of places, including home, work and addresses of known associates.
01-24-11
Warrant Round-Up
Between January 18th and January 20th, 2011, members of the United States
Marshals Southwest Fugitive Task Force arrested 93 wanted people in Otero
and Lincoln counties, including the Mescalero reservation. The suspects were
wanted for crimes ranging from felonies to petty misdemeanors and bonds
ranged from No Bond to a few hundred dollars. In Linoln County alone, 33
people were arrested with bonds totalling over $50,000. The task force is
comprised of officers from federal, state, county, and local law enforcement
agencies.
Marshals Southwest Fugitive Task Force arrested 93 wanted people in Otero
and Lincoln counties, including the Mescalero reservation. The suspects were
wanted for crimes ranging from felonies to petty misdemeanors and bonds
ranged from No Bond to a few hundred dollars. In Linoln County alone, 33
people were arrested with bonds totalling over $50,000. The task force is
comprised of officers from federal, state, county, and local law enforcement
agencies.
Over a three day period, officers fanned out over both counties with active
warrant lists in hand. All arrests were made without incident, although some
resulted in additional charges, such as possession of marijuana and possession
of methamphetamines.
Members of the fugitive task force that participated in this operation include
the U.S. Marshals, FBI, Ruidoso Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff's
Department, Adult Probation & Parole, BIA, the NM Livestock Board and
numerous Otero County law enforcement agencies.
Citizens are urged to clear up any outstanding warrants they may have because
future warrant round-ups are being planned. Officers look for wanted persons
in a number of places, including home, work and addresses of known associates.
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03-29-11
Armed Robbery Attempted at Ruidoso Gas Station
03-29-11
Armed Robbery Attempted at Ruidoso Gas Station
At about 5:43 am, March 29th, 2011, the Ruidoso Police Department received a
911 call from the Diamond Shamrock gas station, at 1901 Sudderth Dr, reporting
that two men armed with knives just attempted to rob the gas station. Both subjects
were chased off by one of the employees before money or merchandise could be
stolen. A description of the suspects was relyaed to on-duty officers. After a short
time of searching the area, officers located two males matching the description. The
suspects were taken into custody and identified as Alvino Saenz, age 18, and Kyle
Chee, age 16, from Mescalero.
911 call from the Diamond Shamrock gas station, at 1901 Sudderth Dr, reporting
that two men armed with knives just attempted to rob the gas station. Both subjects
were chased off by one of the employees before money or merchandise could be
stolen. A description of the suspects was relyaed to on-duty officers. After a short
time of searching the area, officers located two males matching the description. The
suspects were taken into custody and identified as Alvino Saenz, age 18, and Kyle
Chee, age 16, from Mescalero.
Alvino Saenz was charged with the following:
- Attempted Armed Robbery
- Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery
- Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon
- Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
- Resisting Arrest
He was booked and transported to the Lincoln County Detention Center. Magistrate
Judge Lamay set his bond at $100,000 cash only.
Kyle Chee was charged with the following:
- Attempted Armed Robbery
- Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Resisting Arrest
By order of the state Juvenile Probation & Parole Office, he was transported to
the Juvenile Detention Center in Las Cruces, NM.
- Attempted Armed Robbery
- Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery
- Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon
- Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
- Resisting Arrest
He was booked and transported to the Lincoln County Detention Center. Magistrate
Judge Lamay set his bond at $100,000 cash only.
Kyle Chee was charged with the following:
- Attempted Armed Robbery
- Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Resisting Arrest
By order of the state Juvenile Probation & Parole Office, he was transported to
the Juvenile Detention Center in Las Cruces, NM.
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04-14-11
Two Grass Fires Extinguished
The first occurred at about 5:30 p.m. in the area of Merlyn Street and Avalon
Court. Fire units from the Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs fire departments
responded and put out the fire after it burned approximately 1/3rd of an acre.
There were no injuries or other property damage as a result of the fire. Ruidoso
Police officers investigated the cause of the fire and, according to Detective
Art Nelson, the fire was started by two 11-year old boys playing with matches.
Both boys were later released to their parents.
The second fire occurred at about 6:15 p.m. in the area of Lookout Estates
on Lookout Drive. The fire, which caused minor damage to private property,
was quickly put out by the Ruidoso Fire Department. Witnesses in the area
saw two boys, ages 8 to 11, running from the scene and it appears they were
also playing with matches. Anyone with information about this incident is
encouraged to contact Detective Art Nelson at 575-258-7365.
Police and Fire department officials ask parents to please remind their
children about the dangers of playing with matches.
04-14-11
Two Grass Fires Extinguished
On April 12th, 2011, police and fire personnel responded to two separate grass
fires in Ruidoso.
fires in Ruidoso.
The first occurred at about 5:30 p.m. in the area of Merlyn Street and Avalon
Court. Fire units from the Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs fire departments
responded and put out the fire after it burned approximately 1/3rd of an acre.
There were no injuries or other property damage as a result of the fire. Ruidoso
Police officers investigated the cause of the fire and, according to Detective
Art Nelson, the fire was started by two 11-year old boys playing with matches.
Both boys were later released to their parents.
The second fire occurred at about 6:15 p.m. in the area of Lookout Estates
on Lookout Drive. The fire, which caused minor damage to private property,
was quickly put out by the Ruidoso Fire Department. Witnesses in the area
saw two boys, ages 8 to 11, running from the scene and it appears they were
also playing with matches. Anyone with information about this incident is
encouraged to contact Detective Art Nelson at 575-258-7365.
Police and Fire department officials ask parents to please remind their
children about the dangers of playing with matches.
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05-10-11
Ruidoso Man Shot During Attempted Armed Robbery
The 39 year old Ruidoso resident claimed he had been walking near the intersection
of University and Ranier when he was approached by two Hispanic males in a tan
colored truck. The two men allegedly demanded his wallet and when he refused,
one of the suspects shot him at close range with a small caliber firearm which was
wrapped in a towel.
The victim was transported to the Lincoln County Medical Center for his injuries.
This investigation is ongoing. Any persons with information about this incident are
encouraged to contact the Ruidoso Police Department immediately.
05-10-11
Ruidoso Man Shot During Attempted Armed Robbery
On May 10th, 2011, at about 7:45 P.M., officers of the Ruidoso Police Department
responded to the intersection of University Dr and Ranier Dr for a man who had
allegedly been shot during an attempted armed robbery.
responded to the intersection of University Dr and Ranier Dr for a man who had
allegedly been shot during an attempted armed robbery.
The 39 year old Ruidoso resident claimed he had been walking near the intersection
of University and Ranier when he was approached by two Hispanic males in a tan
colored truck. The two men allegedly demanded his wallet and when he refused,
one of the suspects shot him at close range with a small caliber firearm which was
wrapped in a towel.
The victim was transported to the Lincoln County Medical Center for his injuries.
This investigation is ongoing. Any persons with information about this incident are
encouraged to contact the Ruidoso Police Department immediately.
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05-17-11
Attempted Armed Robbery A Lie. Ruidoso Man Charged
According to investigating officer Matt Christian, Bloomquist received a self-inflicted
gunshot wound to his shoulder from a .22 caliber rifle. Bloomquist's house was searched
by police and evidence was found indicating the shooting occurred inside the residence.
Officer Christian said that after Bloomquist shot himself, he walked down the street and
then made the false report that two Hispanic men tried to rob him, and that he had been
shot after refusing to give them his wallet.
Kenneth Bloomquist will be charged with Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon and False
Report.
05-17-11
Attempted Armed Robbery A Lie. Ruidoso Man Charged
On May 10th, 2011, at about 7:45 P.M., 39 year old Kenneth Bloomquist reported
to Ruidoso Police that he had been shot during an attempted armed robbery near his
home on University Dr. Further investigation into the matter revealed Mr. Bloomquist
lied to police and is now facing criminal charges.
to Ruidoso Police that he had been shot during an attempted armed robbery near his
home on University Dr. Further investigation into the matter revealed Mr. Bloomquist
lied to police and is now facing criminal charges.
According to investigating officer Matt Christian, Bloomquist received a self-inflicted
gunshot wound to his shoulder from a .22 caliber rifle. Bloomquist's house was searched
by police and evidence was found indicating the shooting occurred inside the residence.
Officer Christian said that after Bloomquist shot himself, he walked down the street and
then made the false report that two Hispanic men tried to rob him, and that he had been
shot after refusing to give them his wallet.
Kenneth Bloomquist will be charged with Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon and False
Report.
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06-22-11
Swallow Fire Under Investigation
Specially trained arson investigators were called in from the US Forestry Service and
assisted Ruidoso Police Department detectives with the investigation. Detectives
discovered a homeless encampment in the wooded area behind the Travelodge motel,
which appers to be a frequent transient location. A search warrant was executed on a tent
in the wooded area. The origin of the fire was close to the area where the tent was located.
Evidence collected at the scene indicates the fire was unintentional and that an unknown
person or persons attempted to stomp out the flames. The high wind on that date accelerated
the fire through a populated neighborhood, resulting in the loss of nine homes.
Law enforcement officers are currently identifying and speaking with homeless persons
in Ruidoso and the surrounding areas. At this point, there have been no arrests made
and no charges have been filed.
The Ruidoso Police Department is requesting assistance in locating homeless encampments
in Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs and the Mescalero Reservation. Anyone with information about
this incident is encouraged to contact the Ruidoso Police Department (575)258-7365 or
call Crime Stoppers @ (575)257-4545 or (575)258-7300 immediately. Persons can remain
anonymous.
06-22-11
Swallow Fire Under Investigation
On June 16th, 2011, at around 2:45 P.M., a fire started in the wooded area behind the
Travelodge motel, located on Hwy 70 in Ruidoso. High gusts of wind drove the fire which
destroyed nine homes in Ruidoso, before it could be extinguished. No human life was lost
during the fire.
Travelodge motel, located on Hwy 70 in Ruidoso. High gusts of wind drove the fire which
destroyed nine homes in Ruidoso, before it could be extinguished. No human life was lost
during the fire.
Specially trained arson investigators were called in from the US Forestry Service and
assisted Ruidoso Police Department detectives with the investigation. Detectives
discovered a homeless encampment in the wooded area behind the Travelodge motel,
which appers to be a frequent transient location. A search warrant was executed on a tent
in the wooded area. The origin of the fire was close to the area where the tent was located.
Evidence collected at the scene indicates the fire was unintentional and that an unknown
person or persons attempted to stomp out the flames. The high wind on that date accelerated
the fire through a populated neighborhood, resulting in the loss of nine homes.
Law enforcement officers are currently identifying and speaking with homeless persons
in Ruidoso and the surrounding areas. At this point, there have been no arrests made
and no charges have been filed.
The Ruidoso Police Department is requesting assistance in locating homeless encampments
in Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs and the Mescalero Reservation. Anyone with information about
this incident is encouraged to contact the Ruidoso Police Department (575)258-7365 or
call Crime Stoppers @ (575)257-4545 or (575)258-7300 immediately. Persons can remain
anonymous.
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07-20-11
Target Practice Leads to Felony Charges
24 year old Jesus Terrazas was arrested and charged with Receiving Stolen Property
(felony), two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (felony) and Negligent
Use of a Deadly Weapon (misdemeanor).
27 year old Pedro Galindo was arrested and charged with Contributing to the Delinquency
of a Minor (felony) and Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon (misdemeanor).
18 year old Taylor Thomas was arrested and charged with Contributing to the
Delinquency of a Minor (felony).
All three adults reside in Tularosa, NM. Two juveniles were also arrested and charged
with Minor Allowing Self to be Served Alcohol (misdemeanor) and were referred to JPO.
07-20-11
Target Practice Leads to Felony Charges
On July 19th, 2011, at around 1:49 A.M., Ruidoso police officers responded to the
Grindstone Lake area after receiving a call of several gun shots coming from that
location. Officers encountered a vehicle leaving the lake and conducted a traffic stop.
Officers were given permission to search the vehicle and located alcohol and an
assault rifle. The rifle was found to have been stolen during a recent vehicle burglary
at the movie theater in Ruidoso. The suspects admitted to shooting at beer bottles while
at the lake. The crime scene revealed numerous spent rifle casings.
Grindstone Lake area after receiving a call of several gun shots coming from that
location. Officers encountered a vehicle leaving the lake and conducted a traffic stop.
Officers were given permission to search the vehicle and located alcohol and an
assault rifle. The rifle was found to have been stolen during a recent vehicle burglary
at the movie theater in Ruidoso. The suspects admitted to shooting at beer bottles while
at the lake. The crime scene revealed numerous spent rifle casings.
24 year old Jesus Terrazas was arrested and charged with Receiving Stolen Property
(felony), two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (felony) and Negligent
Use of a Deadly Weapon (misdemeanor).
27 year old Pedro Galindo was arrested and charged with Contributing to the Delinquency
of a Minor (felony) and Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon (misdemeanor).
18 year old Taylor Thomas was arrested and charged with Contributing to the
Delinquency of a Minor (felony).
All three adults reside in Tularosa, NM. Two juveniles were also arrested and charged
with Minor Allowing Self to be Served Alcohol (misdemeanor) and were referred to JPO.
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07-20-11
Former Ruidoso High School Teacher to be Arraigned
07-20-11
Former Ruidoso High School Teacher to be Arraigned
56 year old Danny Flores, a former choir teacher for the Ruidoso High School, is
scheduled to appear before a Lincoln County District Judge soon to enter a plea
for the charge of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, a 4th Degree Felony.
Mr. Flores is then scheduled to turn himself in at the Ruidoso Police Department
for the booking process. Through an arrangement between the 12th Judicial District
Attorney's Office, and the defense attorney for Mr. Flores, he will then be released
on his own recognizance.
scheduled to appear before a Lincoln County District Judge soon to enter a plea
for the charge of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, a 4th Degree Felony.
Mr. Flores is then scheduled to turn himself in at the Ruidoso Police Department
for the booking process. Through an arrangement between the 12th Judicial District
Attorney's Office, and the defense attorney for Mr. Flores, he will then be released
on his own recognizance.
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09-06-11
Double Fatal Car Crash on Carrizo Cyn
30 year old Johnny Starr and 21 year old Patrick Alonzo, both of Mescalero, died
in the motor vehicle crash. The vehicle was discovered around 8:00 A.M. and the
investigation revealed that about eight hours earlier, the vehicle was headed north
on Carrizo Cyn when it drove off the right side of the road, drove back across the
roadway and flipped upside down. The vehicle landed on its roof in a deep creek
near Mud Cyn road. The Criminal Investigations team, along with Crash
Reconstructionists, responded to the scene. Investigators discovered evidence that
one or more individuals survived the crash and left the scene on foot. The vehicle was
taken to the Ruidoso Police Department and was processed for evidence.
Surrounding agencies, including BIA Investigators and Lincoln County Deputies,
responded as well and assisted with the investigation. Carrizo Cyn was closed for
several hours while evidence was collected. Alcohol is suspected to be a contributing
factor to the crash. The driver of the vehicle, and seating position of the occupants,
is under ongoing investigation.
09-06-11
Double Fatal Car Crash on Carrizo Cyn
Two Mescalero residents died in a motor vehicle crash on Friday, September 2nd,
2011 on Carrizo Cyn in Ruidoso. The vehicle was discovered about eight hours
after the crash occurred.
2011 on Carrizo Cyn in Ruidoso. The vehicle was discovered about eight hours
after the crash occurred.
30 year old Johnny Starr and 21 year old Patrick Alonzo, both of Mescalero, died
in the motor vehicle crash. The vehicle was discovered around 8:00 A.M. and the
investigation revealed that about eight hours earlier, the vehicle was headed north
on Carrizo Cyn when it drove off the right side of the road, drove back across the
roadway and flipped upside down. The vehicle landed on its roof in a deep creek
near Mud Cyn road. The Criminal Investigations team, along with Crash
Reconstructionists, responded to the scene. Investigators discovered evidence that
one or more individuals survived the crash and left the scene on foot. The vehicle was
taken to the Ruidoso Police Department and was processed for evidence.
Surrounding agencies, including BIA Investigators and Lincoln County Deputies,
responded as well and assisted with the investigation. Carrizo Cyn was closed for
several hours while evidence was collected. Alcohol is suspected to be a contributing
factor to the crash. The driver of the vehicle, and seating position of the occupants,
is under ongoing investigation.
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10-13-11
Narcotics Arrests
Lynda Summers was arrested for an outstanding warrant for Possession of a
Controlled Substance and Probation Violation. Kimberly Robinson was arrested
on an outstanding warrant for property nuisance crimes. Damien Olivas was
arrested for violation of conditions of release, and Jose Ramirez was arrested
for Receiving Stolen Property.
The five hour operation was a coordinated effort involving the Ruidoso Police
Department, the New Mexico State Police and the Lincoln County Narcotics
Enforcement Unit.
During the course of the operation information was gathered that led officers
to 209 Carters Lane in Ruidoso regarding possible drug activity at that location.
Further investigation revealed that the location was being used by a squatter who
had no authority to be on the property. Inside the property officers discovered
numerous hypodermic syringes, spoons and empty packages that contained
residue of suspected narcotics. The Ruidoso Fire Department responded to the
location to properly dispose of the syringes so that neighborhood children were
not exposed to them.
The participating agencies considered the operation a success and future operations
are in the planning stage.
10-13-11
Narcotics Arrests
Four people were arrested during an Impact operation conducted on 10/12/2011.
The operation focused on persons involved in illegal drug activity and recent
burglaries in and around Ruidoso.
The operation focused on persons involved in illegal drug activity and recent
burglaries in and around Ruidoso.
Lynda Summers was arrested for an outstanding warrant for Possession of a
Controlled Substance and Probation Violation. Kimberly Robinson was arrested
on an outstanding warrant for property nuisance crimes. Damien Olivas was
arrested for violation of conditions of release, and Jose Ramirez was arrested
for Receiving Stolen Property.
The five hour operation was a coordinated effort involving the Ruidoso Police
Department, the New Mexico State Police and the Lincoln County Narcotics
Enforcement Unit.
During the course of the operation information was gathered that led officers
to 209 Carters Lane in Ruidoso regarding possible drug activity at that location.
Further investigation revealed that the location was being used by a squatter who
had no authority to be on the property. Inside the property officers discovered
numerous hypodermic syringes, spoons and empty packages that contained
residue of suspected narcotics. The Ruidoso Fire Department responded to the
location to properly dispose of the syringes so that neighborhood children were
not exposed to them.
The participating agencies considered the operation a success and future operations
are in the planning stage.
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12-14-11
Black Ice Crash
The preliminary investigation revealed that at about 8:00 A.M., a 30 year
old Ruidoso woman was driving her full size Ford pickup truck on north-
bound Hull when she hit a patch of black ice. The truck slid counterclockwise,
crossed the oncoming lane and struck a tree.
At the time of the crash there were three occupants in the vehicle; the driver,
a 10 year old girl and a 23 month old girl. All occupants were transported by
EMS to the Lincoln County Medical Center.
The 23 month old girl was airlifted to an El Paso area hospital. The other
occupants were examined and released from the Lincoln County Medical
Center.
The investigation into this crash is ongoing.
12-14-11
Black Ice Crash
On 12/14/2011, Ruidoso Police, Fire and EMS responded to a single vehicle
crash in the 200 block of Hull Road that resulted in non-life threatening
injuries to a 23 month old girl.
crash in the 200 block of Hull Road that resulted in non-life threatening
injuries to a 23 month old girl.
The preliminary investigation revealed that at about 8:00 A.M., a 30 year
old Ruidoso woman was driving her full size Ford pickup truck on north-
bound Hull when she hit a patch of black ice. The truck slid counterclockwise,
crossed the oncoming lane and struck a tree.
At the time of the crash there were three occupants in the vehicle; the driver,
a 10 year old girl and a 23 month old girl. All occupants were transported by
EMS to the Lincoln County Medical Center.
The 23 month old girl was airlifted to an El Paso area hospital. The other
occupants were examined and released from the Lincoln County Medical
Center.
The investigation into this crash is ongoing.