Boomtown police report: January 23, 2025 - February 4, 2025
Fraud, battery, marijuana-DUI, and two separate incidents involving Airsoft
At Boomtown, we believe our community deserves to know about law enforcement activity. We aim to inform residents about patterns of criminal activity, safety concerns, and law enforcement responses in our area. Our police activity report focuses on incidents that affect public safety and community awareness, presented without names or photos of those involved. This approach allows us to share relevant public safety information while avoiding unnecessary stigmatization of community members who encounter law enforcement.
Jan. 23: 42nd Street, 9 a.m. A 68-year-old resident reported being the victim of a sophisticated fraud scheme involving a fake Apple security alert. The scammer, claiming to be with Apple security and the FBI, convinced the victim to withdraw and transfer nearly $50,000 via Bitcoin ATM in Santa Fe. They falsely claimed the money would be protected from alleged criminal activity. The case is part of a pattern of tech support and authority impersonation scams targeting local residents.
Jan. 22: Ruby K’s Bagel Cafe, 11 a.m. Officers responded to a report of an intoxicated individual with what was later determined to be an Airsoft pistol at a local cafe. The 19-year-old individual was trespassed from the property. No injuries were reported.
Jan. 25: Diamond Drive area, 2:22 p.m. Officers responded to a report of a man confronting several juveniles (ages 14-15) who were playing Airsoft in a canyon area near the Pueblo Complex. The man allegedly brandished a knife and took their Airsoft and camping equipment, valued at approximately $250. The suspect returned one bag to the juveniles when they asked for it, “but stated he was keeping the rest to give to the Navy Seals.” When located by officers, the 39-year-old suspect, a local resident, claimed he was “teaching them a lesson.” All items were recovered and returned to the teens. The suspect was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and larceny.
Jan. 26-31: Walnut Street area. Police successfully located a missing 16-year-old who had been reported as a runaway. The teen was found safe in Rio Rancho after a five-day search.
Feb. 1: Smith’s grocery store, 1:49 a.m. Officers responded to a report of shoplifting at Smith’s on Trinity Drive. Two former employees (ages 18 and 19) allegedly entered the closed store through an unlocked employee door and took automotive supplies valued at $22. Both suspects were arrested at the scene. Officers noted the suspects’ vehicle was improperly parked and the plate on the vehicle did not belong to the vehicle.
Feb. 3: North Mesa area, 10:30 a.m. A road rage incident near North Mesa Dog Park resulted in a battery charge. A 63-year-old driver reported being assaulted by a 33-year-old driver after stopping to inform him about a missing license plate. The older driver reported being pushed and struck, with visible marks noted by officers. A witness corroborated the victim’s account. The case resulted in a summons for battery.
Feb 4: Diamond Drive, 6:53 a.m. A 37-year-old Española man was arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana. According to the police report, the driver was initially stopped for traveling 51 mph in a 35 mph zone. During the stop, the officer noted the smell of marijuana and the driver admitted to smoking marijuana before leaving for his job at Los Alamos Middle School. The driver stated he regularly uses marijuana during work breaks. After failing field sobriety tests, he was arrested and taken for a blood draw. He was booked into Los Alamos Detention Center for DUI and cited for speeding.
Feb. 4: Barranca Elementary School, 10 a.m. Staff reported a behavioral incident involving a 9-year-old student who attempted to climb a second-floor railing and had to be removed. The student then became combative, repeatedly striking a staff member, who sustained injuries to her shoulder and neck. The staff member later sought medical treatment at the Los Alamos Medical Center emergency room. No charges were pursued, but the school is working with the family on a revised safety plan.
Feb. 4: Ridgeway Drive, 11 a.m. Officers conducted a welfare check on an 81-year-old resident following a call reporting a possible break-in, which was determined to be unfounded. The resident has a history of similar reports, and officers noted signs of worsening memory issues. A concerned neighbor also reported finding the resident’s stove gas left on and unlit during a recent visit, raising additional safety concerns. Given the pattern of behavior and potential risks, officers made a referral to Adult Protective Services for further evaluation.