As he made his way to a press conference addressing crime on Saturday morning, Albuquerque Police Department (APD) Chief Harold Medina unexpectedly found himself thrust into the midst of an unfolding incident.
Approaching an encampment obstructing the sidewalk, Chief Medina witnessed a dispute escalate into gunfire. In a swift maneuver to evade the gunfire, he accelerated his truck, colliding with another vehicle in the process.
APD Commander Luke Languit described the incident as a fortuitous instance where Chief Medina’s presence helped intervene in a potentially dangerous situation. Languit emphasized that such areas are routinely patrolled due to the propensity for altercations, particularly when encampments obstruct public spaces.
“We have observed that unchecked encampments, obstructing traffic, often lead to altercations, as was evident today,” stated Languit, attributing such conflicts to factors like substance abuse, including fentanyl.
Collaboration between law enforcement agencies is evident in efforts to address the issue. Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen highlighted previous initiatives to assist APD, including joint foot patrols and regular check-ins in the area.
“While our primary focus is on unincorporated areas, we recognize our responsibility extends to all of Bernalillo County,” remarked Sheriff Allen in 2023.
The challenges extend beyond crime, with both departments emphasizing the impact on the quality of life for unhoused individuals along Central Avenue.
“We must consider the holistic needs of unhoused individuals, including addressing drug addiction and other issues,” noted Sheriff Allen, highlighting the importance of providing resources and support beyond mere enforcement.
Albuquerque Community Safety is another key player in addressing these issues. Their street outreach team collaborates with law enforcement to assess individuals living in encampments and connect them with vital resources. Equipped with mobile crisis team clinicians, they provide assistance during behavioral health emergencies.
“We will continue to work alongside our city partners to address these challenges,” affirmed Commander Languit, underlining the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in Albuquerque.