Albuquerque Police Department Chief Harold Medina has expressed concern over a recurring pattern that his officers are encountering in the line of duty. Suspects are fleeing from the police and brandishing firearms during pursuits, leading to dangerous confrontations. In three recent incidents, the outcome was particularly tragic, with officers forced to open fire, resulting in the deaths of two suspects.
The first incident took place on November 21 at the Eagle Nest Condos on Vail Avenue SE. Police received reports of a man waving a black handgun and threatening residents. Upon arriving at the scene, officers spotted a man matching the suspect’s description rummaging through bags in a parking lot. As they approached him, he fled, dropping the bags as he ran. During the pursuit, the suspect produced a handgun, leading Officer Zachary Earles to fire his rifle, striking the suspect. The man, later identified as Pablo Pacheco, was taken to the hospital for treatment. The recovered handgun confirmed the immediate threat faced by the officers.
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Another incident occurred on November 25 during a retail crime operation at a Kohl’s department store on NM 528 NW. Officers confronted a man and a woman who were attempting to shoplift over $1,000 worth of merchandise. The woman, Monica Montoya, was detained, but the man, Pete Martinez, fled on foot while armed with a handgun. A chase ensued, with Martinez seeking refuge in a Cold Stone Creamery. Officers tried to de-escalate the situation and convince him to surrender, but Martinez pointed the gun at his own head, making alarming statements. Despite the officers’ best efforts, Martinez continued to manipulate the firearm, prompting a decision to use a less-lethal 40mm launcher. When Martinez raised the handgun, Detective Angelo Lovato fired his rifle, fatally striking Martinez.
On December 8, detectives were tracking a suspect, Mark Carlson, who was wanted for armed robberies and a probation violation. Carlson was located at an apartment on Montgomery Boulevard NE. As detectives ordered him to surrender, Carlson fled on foot, armed with a handgun. Despite attempts to stop him using less-lethal rounds, Carlson continued to run. When he turned towards the officers with the gun pointed at them, multiple officers discharged their weapons, ultimately leading to Carlson’s death.
These incidents highlight the dangerous situations that Albuquerque police officers face on a regular basis. Chief Medina and his department are committed to protecting the community while ensuring the safety of their officers. Investigations into these incidents are ongoing, and the officers involved have been cleared of any wrongdoing..
