ABQ Times

The Albuquerque Police Department, in collaboration with the U.S. Marshal Service and other partners, has successfully apprehended Kalani Hodges, a fugitive wanted since 2022. The arrest occurred on December 23 in the International District of Albuquerque.

Hodges was identified as the driver involved in a fatal crash on October 30, 2022. The incident resulted in the death of 71-year-old Nena Johnson on Coors Boulevard and St. Josephs Drive. Witnesses reported that Hodges had been drinking before the crash. Following the accident, he fled the scene along with several passengers.

Hodges has a history with law enforcement, having served time for a homicide committed as a juvenile. He was released from custody earlier in 2022 before being implicated in this recent incident. In addition to his past conviction, Hodges was also suspected of involvement in three shootings in 2018.

The operation to capture Hodges involved multiple agencies including Albuquerque Police Officers, the U.S. Marshal Southwest Fugitive Team, and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Despite initial resistance from Hodges when approached by Marshals, he was taken into custody without further incident around 5:00 p.m.

Chief Harold Medina expressed gratitude for the cooperation among law enforcement agencies that led to Hodges' arrest: “I’m grateful for the relationships with our law enforcement partners that we were able to apprehend a violent offender who’d been on the run for years,” he said. Medina hopes this development brings some peace to Johnson's family during the holiday season.

U.S. Marshal David O. Barnett Jr., emphasized their commitment to reducing violent crime through partnerships: “The United States Marshals Service is dedicated to joining forces with our law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime,” he stated.

Hodges was considered a Metro 15 offender and prioritized by various agencies due to his extensive criminal record. He is currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center facing charges of Homicide by Vehicle (DWI), Leaving the scene of an accident involving death, and Reckless driving.