Police: Suspect fatally shot after driving wrong way on I-25
BELEN, N.M. (AP) — Law enforcement officers shot and killed a crime suspect whose pickup crashed after being driven the wrong way on Interstate 25 while being pursued in Valencia County south of metro Albuquerque. The New Mexico State Police said Saturday that two Bernalillo County sheriff's deputies and a NMSP officer fired at the man Friday night after he was given "numerous commands to exit the vehicle and surrender peacefully," An NMSP statement did not elaborate on circumstances immediately before the gunfire. The man's identity was not released but the statement said he was was wanted in an alleged aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a household member.
Suspect, 14, arrested in fatal shooting of Albuquerque teen
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque police say a 14-year-old boy has been arrested in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy who accused the younger boy of stealing his gun. Police said Saturday that the suspect was arrested in Friday's killing of Andrew Burson near a high school that both boys attended. Police say Burson was shot after he accused the 14-year-old of stealing a gun Burson purchased over the internet. Police say the suspect was arrested on suspicion of murder and tampering with evidence. Court records didn't list an attorney who could speak on his behalf. The Associated Press generally does not identify juveniles accused of crimes
New Mexico lawmaker pleads not guilty, won't seek reelection
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico lawmaker charged with drunken driving during this year's Legislative session won't seek reelection. Albuquerque Rep. Georgene Louis says in a statement through her lawyer that she's been honored to serve her constituents the past 10 years but won't try to run again to keep her seat in the House. Louis, a lawyer for Tesuque Pueblo and a one-time congressional candidate, was seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party. Louis initially apologized following her arrest but hasn't commented on details later revealed in a video of it. The video shows her identifying herself as a lawmaker and flashing her credentials.
Appeals court: Politician's Facebook feed not a public forum
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A federal appeals court has rejected a lawsuit that accused an elected county commissioner in southern New Mexico of free speech violations for blocking a resident from discussions on the politician's personal Facebook page. The 10th Circuit Court in Denver sided Friday with County Commissioner Couy Griffin in the dispute over his social media account and whether it functioned as a public forum concerning county affairs, with guarantees to public access and free speech. Griffin is the cofounder of the group Cowboys for Trump and was suspended indefinitely from Facebook in the aftermath of his arrest in connection with the Jan. 6. insurrection on the U.S. Capitol.
Albuquerque police name 16-year-old shot near his school
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a teenager was shot and killed across the street from an Albuquerque school, and they have information about a possible suspect. Police said Friday morning's shooting appeared to have stemmed from an altercation between a 16-year-old West Mesa High School student and another minor. Police say the student killed was Andrew Burson. The suspect has not been named. City and school officials say the gun was not brought onto campus. But they say more needs to be done to ensure children don't have access to firearms. Classes are canceled at the high school Monday.
Archdiocese sues insurers over sexual abuse coverage
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — One of the oldest Roman Catholic dioceses in the U.S. is suing four insurance companies over claims that they haven't fulfilled contracts to provide liability coverage for sexual abuse complaints. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe filed the lawsuit this week as it deals with an ongoing bankruptcy case that involves more than 400 people who allege they were victims of clergy sexual abuse. Some of the claims date back decades. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that the archdiocese hopes to raise enough money, including through insurance payouts, to settle the bankruptcy case.
Police: Deputies fatally shoot man after he shot at one
EDGEWOOD, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say Torrance County sheriff's deputies fatally shot a Las Cruces man after he allegedly pulled a handgun from his waistband and shot at one of the deputies, who was not hurt. A New Mexico State Police statement said Andrew deputies encountered Castellano when they responded to a report of a vehicle stuck in snow in Edgewood early Thursday. According to the statement, Castellano shot at one of the deputies and at least two deputies returned fire, shooting Castellano at least once. Edgewood is 26 miles (42 kilometers) east of Albuquerque.
New Mexico delegation voices concern about FAA tracking rule
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Members of New Mexico's congressional delegation are calling on federal aviation officials to waive a requirement that could affect the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta as well as year-round flights over the city. A letter outlining the concerns was sent this week to the Federal Aviation Administration by Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury and U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan, all Democrats. Republican Congresswoman Yvette Herrell also penned a letter, writing that the economic impact of the fiesta and the balloon industry provides millions of dollars and supports stable jobs for the community. At issue is a requirement that aircraft have specific tracking technology.