New Mexico Community Protests After SWAT Standoff Ends In Black Teen’s Death

Demonstrators are protesting police violence in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after a Black teen died in a SWAT standoff that ended with a home hearth.

Albuquerque Police mentioned they referred to as a SWAT crew after 27-year-old Qiaunt Kelley, a suspect wished on a felony warrant, barricaded himself in a house on Wednesday, the Albuquerque Journal reported.

The SWAT crew used an unknown amount of tear gasoline canisters and “rounds of powder-based chemical compounds” within the dwelling earlier than officers noticed smoke inside, based on Albuquerque Police Division Chief Harold Medina.

Medina added that officers didn’t hearth weapons throughout the standoff.

A hearth broke out within the dwelling and the suspect was arrested after exiting the house, police mentioned.

Fireplace crews and police later found the juvenile, who was not named by officers however is believed to have been about 14 years outdated, lifeless within the dwelling. Officers are trying into the reason for his demise.

Police mentioned they imagine the teenager went to the house with the suspect.

The demise and questions over whether or not munitions ignited the hearth has sparked protests within the metropolis, the Albuquerque Journal reported.

Elizabeth Fields, who advised the Albuquerque Journal that her sister Sundra Coleman owns the house, mentioned two males have been visiting Coleman’s son when a SWAT crew arrived “with weapons drawn” and handcuffed her family members exterior their dwelling, based on the newspaper.

“After which they begin pulling off the home windows, they began eradicating the doorways, that they had a machine that ripped up the tree, and so then they began throwing gasoline bombs in there,” Fields mentioned.

A resident of the house, whom Source New Mexico recognized as Deja, mentioned the household is now uncertain the place they’ll stay.

She mentioned the household advised police in regards to the teen within the dwelling they usually “let him die and burn.”

An investigation is underway to determine if “one munition” is linked to the hearth that broke out within the dwelling, based on Medina.

Albuquerque Fireplace Rescue’s Arson Unit is aiding the police investigation.