New Mexico

New Mexico State Police officer recognized by White House for 2023 traffic stop

Published

2 years ago

July 19, 2024

New Mexico State Police officer recognized by White House for 2023 traffic stop

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Multiple law enforcement personnel are being recognized for their contributions to help alleviate the nation’s drug epidemic. A New Mexico officer made the list.

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has released a list of officials and agencies recognized for their work to fight against criminal networks and drug trafficking. The honorees were dignified for their achievements at the United States Interdiction Coordinator Awards.

“Since Day One, President Biden has taken historic action and made historic investments to support law enforcement and drug-related crime prevention as part of his whole-of-society effort to address the overdose epidemic,” said ONDCP Director Dr. Rahul Gupta. “I’m proud to honor the heroic efforts of these law enforcement leaders today who are working tirelessly around the clock to prevent deadly drugs from reaching our communities and hurting vulnerable Americans. The Biden-Harris Administration is grateful for their steadfast partnership, and will continue to support life-saving law enforcement efforts to reduce overdoses, deprive drug traffickers of their profits, and keep Americans safe.”

ONDCP recognized New Mexico State Police Officer Julian Armijo for “highway interdictions” after an incident in September 2023. Armijo was conducting a traffic stop when he noticed “indicators of criminal activity,” which provoked a probable cause search. He reportedly found 10.5 kilograms of fentanyl pills. The driver was charged for possession. The investigation also uncovered details in the murder of Froylan Villegas, an 11-year-old boy. Villegas was outside of Isotopes Park in a vehicle with his cousin, Tatiana Villegas, when he was shot and killed. His cousin was also injured.

Other categories recognized include: Special recognition, maritime interdiction, land interdiction, international investigations, illicit finance, emerging threats, domestic investigations, and cyber investigations.

Officials with the Biden-Harris Administration said they have been addressing the overdose epidemic through law enforcement funding. To learn about the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program, click here.

Read about how the White House is funding law enforcement to tackle these issues by clicking here.

Source link

Related Topics:Featured New Mexico NMSP New Mexico State Police

Click to comment

New Mexico

Switchbacks face perfect test against New Mexico; Duke Lacroix to make club history at World Cup

Published

5 hours ago

May 16, 2026

Press Room

Switchbacks face perfect test against New Mexico; Duke Lacroix to make club history at World Cup

Juan Tejada said it best. “I think the group that we have, the depth of the squad, every game we take it as it’s going to be a win,” he said. “Even if we’re in the Open Cup, we’re in the Prinx Tires Cup or we’re in an additional cup, we’re going to fight and […]

Source link

New Mexico

Two men arrested for deadly shooting outside Frontier Restaurant

Published

17 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Press Room

Two men arrested for deadly shooting outside Frontier Restaurant

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Police arrested two young men on murder charges after a deadly shooting outside the Frontier Restaurant near the University of New Mexico.

Police said 19-year-old Junior Lewis and 20-year-old Evan Rogers are in custody and both face murder charges.

Police said both men are set to face a judge Saturday.

Investigators said they found both suspects inside Rogers’ dorm room at UNM.

The shooting happened in the early morning hours Thursday just south of Central between Cornell and Stanford.

Police said the man who was shot died at the scene.

Source link

New Mexico

Find out how New Mexico hospitals rank for patient safety

Published

1 day ago

May 15, 2026

Press Room

Find out how New Mexico hospitals rank for patient safety

Leapfrog released its 2026 spring hospital safety grades.

Grades are assigned based on overall performance, including patient safety.

The Leapfrog Group’s goal is to publicly report patient safety and quality information for the benefit of consumers, purchasers, and referring physicians as they make decisions about where to seek care and where to direct patients,” the company stated on its website.

Here’s how your local hospitals performed.

MountainView Regional Medical Center – A

Leapfrog gave MountainView an “A.”

“Being the only hospital in Doña Ana County to earn an ‘A’ from The Leapfrog Group speaks to the high standards our team sets – and meets – every day,” said MountainView CEO Patrick Shannon. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and employees to deliver the safest care possible for our community.”

“An ‘A’ Grade is a strong sign that MountainView is deeply committed to protecting patients from harm,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We commend the leadership, Board, clinicians, staff and volunteers for the role each played in earning this distinction.”

The hospital performed better than average in several areas including low infection rates, addressing safety problems, and ICU care. The hospital received below average performances ratings in surgical site infections post colon surgery, communication about medicine and discharge, communication with doctors and nurses and nursing and bedside care for patients.

Memorial Medical Center – B

Memorial Medical Center received a “B” grade from Leapfrog.

The hospital performed well in effective leadership, reduction and prevention of infections and addressing safety problems.

The hospital received below average ratings for kidney injury after surgery, serious breathing problems, harmful events, communication about medicine and discharge, and communication with doctors and nurses.

Not rated by Leapfrog were Three Crosses Regional Hospital.