NMSP NEWS RELEASE

On October 18, the New Mexico State Police Uniform and Investigations Bureau in Espanola teamed up with the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office to assist the New Mexico Department of Corrections Adult Probation and Parole (APPO), and Security Threat Intelligence Unit (STIU) locate wanted absconders.

Three teams consisting of personnel from each agency were created and deployed to the communities of Abiquiu, Alcalde, Arroyo Seco, Chamita, Chimayo, Dixon, El Rito, Espanola, Hernandez, Medanales, and Santa Cruz. The overall goal was a collaboration effort by law enforcement agencies to fight crime in Rio Arriba and Santa Fe Counties.

The operation resulted in nine felony absconders being apprehended. Five of those absconders were charged with additional felony crimes.  Those charges include Danny Trujillo of Chimayo who was charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Patricio Gallegos of Alcalde, Tomas Roybal of Espanola, Issac Ruiz of Alcalde, and Matthew Vigil of Dixon were all charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance. 

In addition to apprehending APPO absconders, teams apprehended seven individuals with active felony and misdemeanor arrest warrants.  NMSP would like to thank the Espanola Police Department for housing the arrested individuals until they were transported and booked into the Rio Arriba County Detention Center.

“State Police officers all across the state are working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer for everyone”, said Troy Weisler Chief of the New Mexico State Police.  “This operation did just that by taking nine absconders from justice off the streets and arresting another seven wanted individuals.”

State Police will continue to work with other agencies and conduct operations like this throughout the year.  Follow the New Mexico State Police on Twitter and Facebook @NMStatePolice for updates on operations, as well as active scenes across the state.