Man in Custody After Allegedly Stealing Ambulance

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- A man is in custody after allegedly stealing an ambulance, ABC News Albuquerque affiliate KOAT-TV reports.

Sean McConnel allegedly stole the ambulance from the University of New Mexico Hospital after finding the keys were left in the ignition by a paramedic.

McConnel drove the ambulance before hitting a curb, then took off on foot, officials say.

McConnel was subdued by police with a stun gun and taken into custody.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Albuquerque Cop Arrested over Alleged Domestic Dispute

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- An Albuquerque police officer was arrested Sunday night in connection with an alleged domestic dispute with his wife.

Christian Baker is charged with battery against a household member and interference with communications. Baker was released from jail and has been placed on administrative leave.

A court date has yet to be scheduled.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Late Night Apartment Fire Under Investigation

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- Officials are investigating the cause of a fire that broke out at an Albuquerque apartment complex on Monday night.

The blaze reportedly started around midnight at the La Privada Apartments, located on San Mateo Boulevard in the vicinity of Osuna Road. Firefighters responded to the scene, where flames and thick smoke could be seen shooting from the structure, as they worked to extinguish the blaze.

There were no injuries reported.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Grocery Stores Could Face Lawsuits in Listeria Outbreak

(DENVER) -- The organizations linked to the recent outbreak of listeria could widen the lawsuits to distributing parties, according to The Denver Post.

The listeria outbreak has claimed the lives of 29 people and sickened well over a hundred people. Since Jensen Farms, the Colorado cantaloupe producer at the center of the scandal, does not have enough money in liability coverage for the expected multi-million dollar lawsuits, victims could slap grocery stores and other distributors with lawsuits.

Eight people died from listeria in Colorado, and five in New Mexico. It is being called the deadliest food-related outbreak since 1985.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

City Council to Decide Fate of Red Light Cameras

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- The Albuquerque City Council is expected to make a decision on the city's red light camera program on Monday.

The red-light camera system has drawn the ire of taxpayers after it was found that they were not bringing in the amount of money the city hoped. The program reportedly burns $100,000 worth of tax money monthly, according to KOAT-TV.

Residents voted to remove the controversial installments in October, but the fate of the cameras depends on the council's vote Monday.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Two Arrested in Texas Kidnapping

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- Two men were arrested in New Mexico for allegedly kidnapping a man in El Paso, Texas, on Saturday.

FBI officials say a 34-year-old man was kidnapped by the men and forced to drive to ATMs and withdraw money.  The kidnapped man managed to escape and call police when his alleged captors fell asleep in New Mexico on Sunday. The victim's name has not been released.

Jesus Manuel Gallegos, 40, and Brandon Lawrence Jones, 34, are scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Gov. Martinez Appoints New Corrections Dept. Secretary

(SANTA FE, N.M.) -- Gov. Susana Martinez announced her new appointment for Corrections Department secretary on Friday.

Martinez's pick is Gregg Marcantel who has worked in the Bernalillo County sheriff's office as well as the Public Safety Department. The state senate has to approve the appointment.

The former secretary Lupe Martinez resigned in September following an investigation involving her boyfriend, a corrections officer, who discharged his weapon on prison property.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Listeria Death Toll Reaches 29; Called Worst Outbreak Since 1985

(WASHINGTON) -- The death toll from the recent outbreak of listeria has reached 29, and is now being called the worst food-related outbreak of a disease in the United States since 1985, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC reported that 139 people were affected by the outbreak, which was traced to cantaloupes produced from a farm in Colorado. Eight people died in Colorado, and five died in New Mexico.

Many of the deaths were among the elderly. The disease also caused numerous miscarriages.

The outbreak has been compared to a 1985 listeria outbreak that was linked to Mexican cheese.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

FBI Seeking Suspect Who Robbed Albuquerque Bank

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- Both the FBI and Albuquerque police are looking for a suspect who robbed an area bank on Thursday afternoon.

Witnesses tell investigators that around 2:45 p.m., a man with short, dark hair and a moustache entered the Bank of Albuquerque on Coors Boulevard NW, and handed a teller a note demanding money. The suspect then reportedly fled with an undisclosed sum of cash and was last seen walking south on Coors Boulevard.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his late 20s to early 30s, approximately 5'11" tall, of small to medium build, with a light complexion.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the FBI at (505) 889-1300.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Financial Assistance Available for Utility Bills

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- New Mexico residents can receive financial assistance if they need help paying their utility bills.

Under the PNM Good Neighbor Fund, residents can receive up to $140 for bills. On Wednesday a meeting was held at the Wells Park Community Center to inform local residents about the program which is run under the federal LIHEAP program.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio