Police Ambushed in Drive-By Shooting

Summary

In this intense police encounter, Albuquerque officers respond to a shots-fired report, encountering individuals who claim to hear gunshots but know little about the incident. After investigating, they locate a Dodge Durango suspected to be involved, and a suspect confesses to firing the weapon while driving under the influence. The suspect is arrested and charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor counts. He later enters a no-contest plea and is sentenced, with probation or parole under strict supervision. This case highlights the challenges of solving crimes involving intoxicated drivers and firearm use.

Takeaways

• 😀 Officers responded to a report of shots fired in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on the evening of September 28, 2023.
• 😀 Multiple individuals were detained during the investigation, with some claiming to have heard gunshots regularly in the area.
• 😀 A black Dodge Durango was identified as the suspect vehicle, with officers believing the shooter was in the rear passenger seat.
• 😀 Officers found the Durango, and after a pursuit, detained the driver who initially tried to flee.
• 😀 The driver of the vehicle, later identified as the shooter, admitted to firing from the passenger side while drinking and driving.
• 😀 The gun used in the shooting was retrieved, and the driver was arrested on multiple charges, including shooting from a motor vehicle.
• 😀 Despite initially not knowing the identity of the shooter, the driver eventually confessed to the crime after being questioned by officers.
• 😀 The driver’s criminal history included previous felony charges, and he was later linked to felony shoplifting and bail jumping warrants.
• 😀 The suspect faced serious charges, including aggravated assault upon a peace officer and negligent use of a deadly weapon.
• 😀 After his arrest, the suspect was held on a no bond hold and faced up to 8 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
• 😀 Months later, the suspect entered a plea deal, pleading no contest to felony charges, and was placed under pre-trial supervision.

Q & A

What was the initial call that Albuquerque Police officers responded to?

The officers responded to a report of shots fired in the area on the evening of September 28th, 2023.

What was the attitude of the individuals in the area when approached by the police?

The individuals seemed nonchalant, stating they heard gunshots regularly, and were not immediately concerned or responsive when questioned.

Why were multiple people detained by the police during the investigation?

The police detained several people for questioning as they were in the vicinity of the shots fired and were suspected of being involved in the incident.

What did the officers find when they approached the Dodge Durango?

The officers identified a black Dodge Durango that was involved in the shots fired incident, with the driver dropping someone off and then driving away.

Why did the police officer ask the driver of the Durango to climb out of the vehicle?

The officer ordered the driver to climb out of the vehicle because there was suspicion that the driver might be involved in the shooting or had fled the scene.

What happened when the police attempted to apprehend the individual in the Durango?

The suspect initially refused to exit the vehicle and was subsequently told that force, such as rubber bullets, would be used if he didn’t comply. He eventually exited the vehicle and was detained.

What did the suspect in the Durango admit to after his arrest?

The suspect admitted to firing a gun out of the window while driving, claiming that he bought the gun off the street and did not shoot anyone specifically, but was excited while driving.

What were the charges against the suspect after his arrest?

The suspect was charged with felony shooting from a motor vehicle, aggravated assault upon a peace officer, negligent use of a deadly weapon, and driving while under the influence.

What happened to the suspect after his arrest in terms of legal proceedings?

The suspect was issued a no-bond hold and remained in jail until his court case. He later entered a plea deal, submitting a no-contest plea for the felony charges. He was sentenced and released on recognizance under strict pre-trial supervision.

Was the vehicle involved in the shooting linked to any homicides?

At one point, officers speculated that the Dodge Durango might be linked to a homicide, but it was later confirmed that the individuals involved in this incident were not connected to any homicide.