Community Notes

Police seek fugitive from detention center, court

The Tucumcari Police Department are asking for help in apprehending Johnny J. Martinez, 25, who was recently sentenced to nine years in the penitentiary for drug trafficking, according to a press release.

Although Martinez was included in a list, provided by police, about those who were arrested in a sting operation on Thursday, Tucumcari deputy police chief Ron Haley said Tuesday that Martinez was not arrested and that there was still an active warrant for his arrest.

The press release states that Martinez is fugitive from the Quay County Detention Center and from the Magistrate Court.

Martinez is a Hispanic Male, 5 foot, five inches and weighs 135 pounds, the release says.

A reward up to $1,000 is being offered through CrimeStoppers for information leading to his capture. To contact CrimeStoppers, call 461-3507

Police seek your help to find vandals, reward offered

The Tucumcari Police Department and CrimeStoppers are seeking information on the identification of a suspect in the recent vandalism cases in and around Tucumcari, according to a press release from the police.

“Suspects have been breaking out the windows of businesses and automobiles for over a month now and have been responsible for thousands of dollars of damages,” the release stated.

CrimeStoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and charging of the suspects in the case, according to the release.

Recent police reports indicate that vandals have been using projectiles to break vehicle and store windows.

Anyone who has any information regarding this case is urged to call (505) 461-3507. All callers remain anonymous, the release said.

Coast to coast, officers at every 10 miles on I-40

More than 40 police officers will be patrolling I-40 from border to border today, police officials announced in a press release. The New Mexico officers are part of a national effort to have at least one officer every ten miles on I-40 from North Carolina to California. New Mexico officers, State Police and Motor Transportation Division, will be patrolling the interstate enforcing speed, safety restraint and drunk driving laws. 

 “Many many people will be traveling to visit family and friends this week.  We want to make sure everybody has reason to be thankful instead of grieving a senseless tragedy,” said Faron Segotta, New Mexico State Police Chief and Chairman of C.A.R.E. international operations, in the release.

C.A.R.E., or Combined Accident Reduction Effort. is in force for the Thanksgiving period from today through Sunday.

From Wilmington, N.C. to Bartow, Calif., troopers will be stationed every 10 miles along I 40, covering 2,547 miles, the release said.

Advocates needed

Volunteers are needed to provide advocacy and oversight for abused and neglected children who are in the state's custody. Citizen Review Board members are from all walks of life, according to a press release from Janice Trujillo, volunteer coordinator, New Mexico Child Abuse and Neglect Citizen Review Board.

Volunteers meet one day a month in the local community and review several cases of children who are in the foster care system. The board's recommendations are sent to the judge who is following the case. To volunteer or for more information, visit www.nmcrb.org, or write: NM Child Abuse and Neglect Citizen Review Board, P.O. Box 30228, Albuquerque, NM 87190 or call (866) 857-2976.