ABQ Times

ALBUQUERQUE – Mayor Tim Keller and Chief Harold Medina announced a partnership with law enforcement agencies to address youth crime in Downtown Albuquerque.

Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen, District Attorney Sam Bregman, FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda, and New Mexico State Police also attended the announcement and outlined their plans to tackle youth crime in the area.

“We will not tolerate this kind of alarming criminal behavior downtown or anywhere in our city,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Fighting back against gun violence is a must, and we appreciate our law enforcement partners stepping up to help APD make downtown safer for everyone.”

At the beginning of summer, APD increased officers and resources in the Downtown area to enhance safety during weekends. APD officers identified crime trends among underage offenders who have been migrating from other areas of town and nearby communities to gather in Downtown parking lots and garages. Several individuals have been arrested for carrying firearms, underage drinking, and fleeing from police.

The FBI will continue collaborating with local law enforcement partners to identify violent crimes committed by juveniles that can be prosecuted federally while providing investigative and technical assistance in juvenile cases where state prosecution is appropriate.

“Young offenders in our city need to be held accountable as much as our adult offenders,” said Chief Harold Medina. “We will continue to track these trends and crack down on criminal activity in Downtown and throughout the city. We appreciate all the support we can get from our partners.”