_______________________________________________
09-07-10
Shooting at Two Rivers Park
UPDATE - 09-09-10:
Investigation continues into this shooting incident. Pursuant to issued search warrants from
the 12th Judicial District Court, two vehicles were seized and searched by Ruidoso Police
Department Detectives. Additional evidence was obtained and arrest warrants were issued
for 5 suspects.
William Lothridge, 20 years old, has been arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery,
Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Battery, Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle, and
Conspiracy to Commit Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle.
Victoria Arauz, 21 years old, has also been arrested and charged with Abuse of a Child.
Outstanding warrants have been issued for the following persons:
Anthony Arauz: Abuse of a Child, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Battery, and Conspiracy
to Commit Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle.
Ricci Granado: Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Battery, and Conspiracy to Commit
Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle.
Anyone with knowledge as to the whereabouts of these persons is urged to contact the
Ruidoso Police Department immediately. Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward for
information leading to the arrest and District Court bind over of these persons. The
Crime Stoppers phone number is (575)257-4545 or (575)258-7300.
09-07-10
Shooting at Two Rivers Park
Ruidoso Police are currently investigating a shooting incident, occurring at approximately
10:20 pm on 09-06-10. Officers responded to calls for the sound of gun shots fired in the
100 block of Robin Road. Upon arrival at the location, Officers discovered numerous spent
bullet casings on the roadway. Shortly thereafter, Officers were notified by Lincoln County
Medical Center of two male patients at the hospital suffering from gunshot wounds.
Mescalero BIA notified Ruidoso Police of another male with a gunshot wound, located
on the Mescalero Reservation. Identity of the victims are being withheld, pending further
investigation and possible involvement.
10:20 pm on 09-06-10. Officers responded to calls for the sound of gun shots fired in the
100 block of Robin Road. Upon arrival at the location, Officers discovered numerous spent
bullet casings on the roadway. Shortly thereafter, Officers were notified by Lincoln County
Medical Center of two male patients at the hospital suffering from gunshot wounds.
Mescalero BIA notified Ruidoso Police of another male with a gunshot wound, located
on the Mescalero Reservation. Identity of the victims are being withheld, pending further
investigation and possible involvement.
UPDATE - 09-09-10:
Investigation continues into this shooting incident. Pursuant to issued search warrants from
the 12th Judicial District Court, two vehicles were seized and searched by Ruidoso Police
Department Detectives. Additional evidence was obtained and arrest warrants were issued
for 5 suspects.
William Lothridge, 20 years old, has been arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery,
Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Battery, Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle, and
Conspiracy to Commit Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle.
Victoria Arauz, 21 years old, has also been arrested and charged with Abuse of a Child.
Outstanding warrants have been issued for the following persons:
Anthony Arauz: Abuse of a Child, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Battery, and Conspiracy
to Commit Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle.
Ricci Granado: Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Battery, and Conspiracy to Commit
Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle.
Anyone with knowledge as to the whereabouts of these persons is urged to contact the
Ruidoso Police Department immediately. Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward for
information leading to the arrest and District Court bind over of these persons. The
Crime Stoppers phone number is (575)257-4545 or (575)258-7300.
_______________________________________________
01-17-10
Hostage taker apprehended after standoff with
Ruidoso Police
01-17-10
Hostage taker apprehended after standoff with
Ruidoso Police
In the evening hours of January 17th, 2010, the Ruidoso Police Department
Special Response Team apprehended 27 year old Zachery Quanz for holding
his girlfriend hostage at their home located at 200 Yellow Pine in Ruidoso.
When negotiations failed, the Special Response Team made entry into the home
and apprehended Mr. Quanz. Heather Laney was uninjured in the incident and
Mr. Quanz was charged with Kidnapping, a First Degree Felony, and several
charges of Resisting Arrest.
Special Response Team apprehended 27 year old Zachery Quanz for holding
his girlfriend hostage at their home located at 200 Yellow Pine in Ruidoso.
On 01-17-10, at approximately 1715 hours, Zackery Quanz dialed 9-1-1, from
his home at 200 Yellow Pine, to inform Police he was holding his girlfriend,
Heather Laney, hostage and he demanded money for her safe release.
Upon Officers arrival, Mr. Quanz barricaded himself and his hostage inside
the home. The Special Response Team responded to the home where a negotiator
attempted to talk Mr. Quanz out.
When negotiations failed, the Special Response Team made entry into the home
and apprehended Mr. Quanz. Heather Laney was uninjured in the incident and
Mr. Quanz was charged with Kidnapping, a First Degree Felony, and several
charges of Resisting Arrest.
_______________________________________________
02-15-10
Property Sheet Forms Available to Public
The The Ruidoso Police Department is offering free forms to the public, on which you
can write down critical information from expensive items you own, in case of theft.
can write down critical information from expensive items you own, in case of theft.
The The Ruidoso Police Department has printed forms for the public to pick up and use.
Citizens can use these forms to write down serial and model numbers, along with a
brief description, of expensive items in their home or business. By using these forms,
citizens are helping Law Enforcement more easily identify and return items which
are discovered to be stolen. The forms are easy to use and the little amount of time
involved in completing them will greatly increase the chance of recovery and return
in the unfortunate event any items are stolen. These forms are available at the Ruidoso
Police Department located at 1085 Mechem Dr, across from the main Post Office.
Citizens can use these forms to write down serial and model numbers, along with a
brief description, of expensive items in their home or business. By using these forms,
citizens are helping Law Enforcement more easily identify and return items which
are discovered to be stolen. The forms are easy to use and the little amount of time
involved in completing them will greatly increase the chance of recovery and return
in the unfortunate event any items are stolen. These forms are available at the Ruidoso
Police Department located at 1085 Mechem Dr, across from the main Post Office.
For more information, contact the Ruidoso Police Department at (575)258-7365.
2010 Press Releases
_______________________________________________
02-16-10
LCDC Prisoner Indicted for 1st Degree Murder
The A Lincoln County Grand Jury convened today to determine criminal charges against
current Lincoln County Detention Center inmate Justin Slaughter.
current Lincoln County Detention Center inmate Justin Slaughter.
The case was presented by 12th Judicial Deputy District Attorney Reed Thompson. After
hearing the testimonies, the jury deliberated for 30 to 40 minutes and announced their
decision. The jury gave a "True Bill" for numerous charges including 1st Degree Murder.
Justin Slaughter will now officially be charged with the homicide of Julian Orosco which
occurred in November of 2008, in the Grindstone Lake area of Ruidoso. Justin Slaughter
remains in the custody of the jail and is expected to be served with the indictment this week.
_______________________________________________
03-22-10
Civil Matter Leads to Felony Arrest
03-22-10
Civil Matter Leads to Felony Arrest
On 03-19-10, at about 5:07 P.M., officers of the Ruidoso Police Department were
dispatched to 538 Sudderth Dr in Ruidoso for a civil peace keeping. Upon arrival
of the officers, one of the involved parties informed them that the owner of the
residence, Edmond P. Herring, was a previously convicted felon and that he was in
possession of firearms.
dispatched to 538 Sudderth Dr in Ruidoso for a civil peace keeping. Upon arrival
of the officers, one of the involved parties informed them that the owner of the
residence, Edmond P. Herring, was a previously convicted felon and that he was in
possession of firearms.
Investigation of the allegation led to the issuance of a search warrant for the property.
The search warrant produced a rifle, ammunition, suspected narcotics and numerous
items of drug paraphernalia.
The search warrant produced a rifle, ammunition, suspected narcotics and numerous
items of drug paraphernalia.
Edmond P. Herring's previous felony conviction was verified and he was arrested
without incident. Mr. Herring was booked into the Lincoln County Detention Center.
He was charged with the following:
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Investigation of this incident continues by the Ruidoso Police Department's Criminal
Investigation Division.
without incident. Mr. Herring was booked into the Lincoln County Detention Center.
He was charged with the following:
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Investigation of this incident continues by the Ruidoso Police Department's Criminal
Investigation Division.
_______________________________________________
03-19-10
Ruidoso Woman Shot. Suspect Still at Large
03-19-10
Ruidoso Woman Shot. Suspect Still at Large
On March 19, 2010, at approximately 1840 hours, Ruidoso Police Officers and Detectives
responded to 210 Camelot, Apartment F-1, in reference to a shooting that had occurred.
responded to 210 Camelot, Apartment F-1, in reference to a shooting that had occurred.
Investigation revealed that a female, identified as Iesha Gallegos, H/F/18 years old, had
been shot by an unknown individual who had entered her apartment. After being stabilized
at the Lincoln County Medical Center, Ms. Gallegos was transferred to the University
Medical Center in El Paso, TX, where she is in intensive care. The suspect has not yet
been identified.
At this time, the incident is under investigation by the Ruidoso Police Department.
Anyone with information involving this incident is requested to contact the Ruidoso
Police Department Criminal Investigation Division, Detective Art Nelson (575)258-7365
been shot by an unknown individual who had entered her apartment. After being stabilized
at the Lincoln County Medical Center, Ms. Gallegos was transferred to the University
Medical Center in El Paso, TX, where she is in intensive care. The suspect has not yet
been identified.
At this time, the incident is under investigation by the Ruidoso Police Department.
Anyone with information involving this incident is requested to contact the Ruidoso
Police Department Criminal Investigation Division, Detective Art Nelson (575)258-7365
_______________________________________________
04-06-10
Ruidoso Police Now Investigating Homicide
04-06-10
Ruidoso Police Now Investigating Homicide
On March 19th, 2010, 18 year old Iesha Gallegos was shot by an unknown male while inside
apartment F-1 at 210 Camelot in Ruidoso. She was transported to University Medical Center
in El Paso, TX and was placed in intensive care.
apartment F-1 at 210 Camelot in Ruidoso. She was transported to University Medical Center
in El Paso, TX and was placed in intensive care.
On April 5th, at around 12:14 p.m., Iesha Gallegos died due to complications arising from
her gunshot wound. This case has been upgraded to a Homicide Investigation. The Ruidoso
Police Department urges anyone with information about this case to contact Detective Art
Nelson at (575)258-7365 or call Crime Stoppers immediately at (575)258-4545.
her gunshot wound. This case has been upgraded to a Homicide Investigation. The Ruidoso
Police Department urges anyone with information about this case to contact Detective Art
Nelson at (575)258-7365 or call Crime Stoppers immediately at (575)258-4545.
_______________________________________________
06-01-10
Statewide Check Washer Apprehended by Ruidoso Police
06-01-10
Statewide Check Washer Apprehended by Ruidoso Police
On May 22, 2010, Ruidoso Police arrested 29 year old Richard L. Crenshaw for multiple
active arrest warrants from Las Cruces. A search warrant revealed further evidence
of criminal activity in Lincoln and Otero countiues.
active arrest warrants from Las Cruces. A search warrant revealed further evidence
of criminal activity in Lincoln and Otero countiues.
Richard L. Crenshaw is being charged with 47 new criminal counts including Larceny, Forgery,
Fraud, Receiving Stolen Property and Possession and Use of Forged Identification. Mr. Crenshaw
was arrested by Ruidoso Police at his home on Carters Lane on May 22, 2010, after Police
were called to his home on an unrelated matter. Mr. Crenshaw was found to have active warrants
out of Dona Ana County.
Fraud, Receiving Stolen Property and Possession and Use of Forged Identification. Mr. Crenshaw
was arrested by Ruidoso Police at his home on Carters Lane on May 22, 2010, after Police
were called to his home on an unrelated matter. Mr. Crenshaw was found to have active warrants
out of Dona Ana County.
Mr. Crenshaw was a suspect in several check theft and forgery cases from local businesses. A search
warrant of his home revealed over 30 forged NM Identification cards he was making using his
home computer. Several of the names on the fake ID's were the names of local victims who had
their checks stolen out of their mail boxes. An extensive investigation with Wal-Mart, the Inn
of the Mountain Gods and the Las Cruces Police Department revealed video surveillance of
Crenshaw using forged identification to cash the washed checks. Mr. Crenshaw remains in custody
at this time.
warrant of his home revealed over 30 forged NM Identification cards he was making using his
home computer. Several of the names on the fake ID's were the names of local victims who had
their checks stolen out of their mail boxes. An extensive investigation with Wal-Mart, the Inn
of the Mountain Gods and the Las Cruces Police Department revealed video surveillance of
Crenshaw using forged identification to cash the washed checks. Mr. Crenshaw remains in custody
at this time.
_______________________________________________
06-22-10
Suspect in Counterfeiting Arrested in Albuquerque
Warrants were issued by the Ruidoso Police Department for Forgery, Attempted Forgery
and Conspiracy to Commit Forgery. The Ruidoso Downs Police Department also issued a
warrant for Forgery.
On June 22, 2010, the Ruidoso Police Department received notification that Ms. Madrid was
arrested on these outstanding warrants in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ms. Madrid is currently
incarcerated in the Bernalillo Ccounty Detention Center.
06-22-10
Suspect in Counterfeiting Arrested in Albuquerque
In October 2009, the Village of Ruidoso experienced an influx of counterfeit money being
passed on to businesses for services. The counterfeit money consisted of $20.00 bills. An
investigation into this matter was conducted by the Ruidoso Police Department and
Jennifer Madrid was identified as one of the suspects involved in the illegal activity.
passed on to businesses for services. The counterfeit money consisted of $20.00 bills. An
investigation into this matter was conducted by the Ruidoso Police Department and
Jennifer Madrid was identified as one of the suspects involved in the illegal activity.
Warrants were issued by the Ruidoso Police Department for Forgery, Attempted Forgery
and Conspiracy to Commit Forgery. The Ruidoso Downs Police Department also issued a
warrant for Forgery.
On June 22, 2010, the Ruidoso Police Department received notification that Ms. Madrid was
arrested on these outstanding warrants in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ms. Madrid is currently
incarcerated in the Bernalillo Ccounty Detention Center.
_______________________________________________
10-02-10
Ruidoso Police Officer Struck by Vehicle
10-02-10
Ruidoso Police Officer Struck by Vehicle
On Saturday, October 2nd, 2010, at approximately 9:30 A.M., a Ruidoso Police
Officer was struck by a motor vehicle on Mechem Dr at the intersection of Terrace.
At the time, the Officer was directing traffic for the Aspenfest Parade. The Officer
was transported by ambulance to the Lincoln County Medical Center for non life-
threatening injuries. The New Mexico State Police is handling the crash investigation.
Officer was struck by a motor vehicle on Mechem Dr at the intersection of Terrace.
At the time, the Officer was directing traffic for the Aspenfest Parade. The Officer
was transported by ambulance to the Lincoln County Medical Center for non life-
threatening injuries. The New Mexico State Police is handling the crash investigation.
_______________________________________________
11-01-10
Halloween Armed Robbery
11-01-10
Halloween Armed Robbery
At about 8:00 P.M. on October 31st, 2010, the Ruidoso Police Department received
a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred at the Swiss Chalet motel, located
at 1451 Mechem Dr. Surrounding Law Enforcement agencies assisted in searching for
the getaway vehicle, described as an older model pick up truck, but were unsuccessful.
The suspect was described as a male, wearing a mask and armed with a handgun, who
fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred at the Swiss Chalet motel, located
at 1451 Mechem Dr. Surrounding Law Enforcement agencies assisted in searching for
the getaway vehicle, described as an older model pick up truck, but were unsuccessful.
The suspect was described as a male, wearing a mask and armed with a handgun, who
fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
This case is being investigated by the Ruidoso Police Department's Criminal Investigation
Division.
Division.
_______________________________________________
11-11-10
Game Over for "High Score" Burglars
11-11-10
Game Over for "High Score" Burglars
On 11-11-10, at around 8:00 P.M., an anonymous citizen called the Ruidoso Police
Department reporting a burglary in progess at "High Score", a video game business
located at 1129 Mechem Dr suite A. The caller gave Police a description of the vehicle
and attempted to follow them. Ruidoso Police located this vehicle and stopped it on
White Mountain Dr near Farley's. The driver of the vehicle was 18 year old Joshua
Thompson. In the passenger seat was a male juvenile.
Department reporting a burglary in progess at "High Score", a video game business
located at 1129 Mechem Dr suite A. The caller gave Police a description of the vehicle
and attempted to follow them. Ruidoso Police located this vehicle and stopped it on
White Mountain Dr near Farley's. The driver of the vehicle was 18 year old Joshua
Thompson. In the passenger seat was a male juvenile.
Inside the vehicle, Officers saw guitars, video games and a video game system (all of
which are sold at High Score). Mr. Thompson had a cut on his hand and Officers located
blood in several places at the crime scene. During an interview with Mr. Thompson, he
confessed to perpetrating the burglary along with his juvenile accomplice. Both males
were arrested. Mr. Thompson was charged with Commercial Burglary, Felony Larceny,
two counts of Conspiracy, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and Criminal
Damage to Property. His bond was set at $31,000.00. The juvenile was charged with
Commercial Burglary, Felony Larceny, two counts of Conspiracy, Criminal Damage to
Property and Minor Allowing Self to be Served Alcohol. Per the order of Juvenile
Probation, the juvenile was released to his parents.
The investigation revealed the two suspects were involved in an argument with the
co-owner of High Score at the local bowling alley earlier in the evening. The two
suspects planned the burglary as revenge.
which are sold at High Score). Mr. Thompson had a cut on his hand and Officers located
blood in several places at the crime scene. During an interview with Mr. Thompson, he
confessed to perpetrating the burglary along with his juvenile accomplice. Both males
were arrested. Mr. Thompson was charged with Commercial Burglary, Felony Larceny,
two counts of Conspiracy, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and Criminal
Damage to Property. His bond was set at $31,000.00. The juvenile was charged with
Commercial Burglary, Felony Larceny, two counts of Conspiracy, Criminal Damage to
Property and Minor Allowing Self to be Served Alcohol. Per the order of Juvenile
Probation, the juvenile was released to his parents.
The investigation revealed the two suspects were involved in an argument with the
co-owner of High Score at the local bowling alley earlier in the evening. The two
suspects planned the burglary as revenge.
_______________________________________________
11-17-10
Suspicious Package Leads to Bomb Squad Response
11-17-10
Suspicious Package Leads to Bomb Squad Response
At about 11:04 A.M. on November 17th, 2010, the Ruidoso Police Department received
a report of a suspicious package located at 508 Mechem Dr. Business owners at that location
called Police after discovering the small cardboard box sitting on the ground in front of the
store; having no markings or shipping labels attached to it. The Ruidoso Police Department
responded to the store and evacuated all people within a 300 yard distance. Police diverted
all traffic on Mechem Dr and notified the New Mexico State Police Bomb Squad. The NMSP
Bomb Squad arrived shortly thereafter and conducted an investigation of the package. The
package was found to have an "XM Radio" device inside. Citizens were allowed to return to
work at around 1:50 P.M.
Law Enforcement encourages all citizens to clearly mark packages for shipping and to drop
off packages at appropriate shipping locations.
a report of a suspicious package located at 508 Mechem Dr. Business owners at that location
called Police after discovering the small cardboard box sitting on the ground in front of the
store; having no markings or shipping labels attached to it. The Ruidoso Police Department
responded to the store and evacuated all people within a 300 yard distance. Police diverted
all traffic on Mechem Dr and notified the New Mexico State Police Bomb Squad. The NMSP
Bomb Squad arrived shortly thereafter and conducted an investigation of the package. The
package was found to have an "XM Radio" device inside. Citizens were allowed to return to
work at around 1:50 P.M.
Law Enforcement encourages all citizens to clearly mark packages for shipping and to drop
off packages at appropriate shipping locations.
_______________________________________________
11-24-10
2010 Festival of Lights Parade
11-24-10
2010 Festival of Lights Parade
In preparation for the 2010 Festival of Lights Parade, the Ruidoso Police Department
will begin closing the following streets in Ruidoso on Saturday, December 4th, 2010:
- Mechem Dr, at the intersection of Rainbow Dr, will close to all south bound traffic
at 4:45 P.M.
- Mechem Dr, at the intersection of Terrace, will close to all south bound traffic
at 4:45 P.M.
- Sudderth Dr, at the intersection of Paradise Cyn, will be closed to all west bound
traffic at 5:10 P.M.
- Sudderth Dr, from the intersection of Mechem Dr continuing east to Carrizo Cyn,
will be closed to all traffic at 5:15 P.M.
will begin closing the following streets in Ruidoso on Saturday, December 4th, 2010:
- Mechem Dr, at the intersection of Rainbow Dr, will close to all south bound traffic
at 4:45 P.M.
- Mechem Dr, at the intersection of Terrace, will close to all south bound traffic
at 4:45 P.M.
- Sudderth Dr, at the intersection of Paradise Cyn, will be closed to all west bound
traffic at 5:10 P.M.
- Sudderth Dr, from the intersection of Mechem Dr continuing east to Carrizo Cyn,
will be closed to all traffic at 5:15 P.M.
The Festival of Lights Parade is scheduled to begin at 5:30 P.M.
Citizens wishing to view the parade should arrive and park in authorized areas prior
to 4:30 P.M.
Motorists should plan ahead for the extra traffic and seek alternative routes if not
attending the parade.
Traffic flow will begin as the end of the parade is escorted east on Sudderth Dr.
to 4:30 P.M.
Motorists should plan ahead for the extra traffic and seek alternative routes if not
attending the parade.
Traffic flow will begin as the end of the parade is escorted east on Sudderth Dr.
_______________________________________________
11-24-10
DWI Superblitz In Effect
11-24-10
DWI Superblitz In Effect
The Ruidoso Police Department has joined with Safer New Mexico Now in Opeartion
DWI Superblitz. Beginning in November 2010, and continuing through 2011, the
Ruidoso Police Department will be conducting DWI Saturation Patrols.
DWI Superblitz. Beginning in November 2010, and continuing through 2011, the
Ruidoso Police Department will be conducting DWI Saturation Patrols.
Citizens are encouraged to plan ahead and designate sober drivers or taxis for
celebrations where alcohol will be consumed. There will be zero tolerance for DWI
offenders. Help us keep our streets safe this holiday season. To report a drunk
driver call 258-7365 or dial 9-1-1.
celebrations where alcohol will be consumed. There will be zero tolerance for DWI
offenders. Help us keep our streets safe this holiday season. To report a drunk
driver call 258-7365 or dial 9-1-1.