A tragic Monday unfolded across New Mexico as two separate law enforcement incidents shook communities from Albuquerque to Fort Sumner — including the heartbreaking line-of-duty death of a veteran sergeant with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.
Line-of-Duty Death on I-40
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed late Monday evening that one of its sergeants was killed in the line of duty following a traffic stop along Interstate 40 near Carnuel. The name of the officer has not yet been released as of publishing.
“The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office is heartbroken to confirm one of our sergeants was killed in the line of duty this evening,” the agency said in a statement. “We ask for prayers for the sergeant’s family, loved ones, and our agency during this unimaginable loss. Please allow space for the family to be notified and grieve. Verified updates will be shared later this evening through official BCSO channels.”
Earlier in the evening, reporters from KOB 4 relayed breaking developments from the scene. Reporter Tessa Mentus posted that all lanes of I-40 between Tramway and Carnuel were shut down as deputies responded to what officials initially described only as a situation involving a deputy during a traffic stop.
Witnesses at the scene told KOB 4 that a semi-truck crashed into the deputy while the sergeant was conducting the stop. Authorities had not confirmed additional details immediately, nor whether others were injured. Deputies emphasized there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Traffic in the Albuquerque metro area ground to a halt for hours, with major congestion reported on Juan Tabo, Tramway, and Central Avenue as drivers were rerouted around the closure.
The New Mexico State Police issued a statement offering support to BCSO.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the line-of-duty death of a Sergeant with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. The men and women of the New Mexico State Police stand shoulder to shoulder with BCSO during this unimaginable time. We pray for strength and peace for the deputy’s family and for every member of the agency grieving this tremendous loss.”
Second Incident: Officer Shot At Near Fort Sumner
In a separate and alarming incident Monday, New Mexico State Police announced they are actively searching for a man and woman who allegedly shot at an officer during a traffic stop near U.S. 285 at milepost 185.
According to NMSP, the officer involved in that incident is okay. However, authorities are warning residents in and around the Fort Sumner area to remain indoors and lock their doors while law enforcement conducts an active search.
Officials described the suspects as traveling in a gray Kia bearing Texas license plate XMX8165. “Do not approach. Call 911 immediately if seen,” the agency said. Officers are actively searching for the male suspect pictured in NMSP’s alert and his female accomplice.
A photo of the suspected assailant is pictured:
The back-to-back incidents have left many New Mexicans shaken, underscoring the dangers law enforcement officers face daily.
Political Leaders Respond
Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Amy Barela issued a statement mourning the fallen sergeant and condemning violence against law enforcement.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the line-of-duty death of a sergeant with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department,” Barela wrote, adding, “We pray for strength and peace for the sergeant’s family and for every member of the sheriff’s department as well as surrounding law enforcement agencies grieving this tremendous loss.”
As investigations continue in both incidents, communities across the state are left mourning, praying, and waiting for further updates — reminded once again of the profound sacrifices made by those who serve in law enforcement.
Meanwhile APS thinks that it’s safe to let our kids to go walk out during class time to protest and one of the Nations most and dangerous cities. Your children are being supervised or unsupervised by principals Who hide their faces and they don’t give a fat frogs behind about the children being seen. These children not covered by any insurance during these walk outs. Parents are not notified nor do the children have their parents permission to leave during instructional time . Violation PJ 32. They are given School monies and instructional time for Cherry Picked freedom of speech protests that line up with the leftist agendas of the teachers’ unions. And they wonder why we’re 51st in the nation for education