Local News - Alburquerque - ABC News Radio

New Program Improves Handling of 'Public Inebriates'

Louis Milman — Fri, 24 May 2013 17:47:37 +0000

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- A newly instituted program will allow people who are publicly intoxicated to be taken directly to alcohol or drug treatment centers if they are picked up by police.

According to the Albuquerque Journal, the Public Inebriate Intervention Program will save the city money, because "inebriate care" at the University of New Mexico Hospital costs $250 to $300 dollars and booking an intoxicated person at Metropolitan Detention Center costs $67. Comparatively, the daily cost of the new program is just $17.

The pilot program, which has operated for about six weeks, diverted over 300 people from emergency rooms or jail, according to a news release. The program will now expand from two days to four days each week.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Teacher Accused of Sexual Contact with Student on Last Day of School

Louis Milman — Fri, 24 May 2013 17:34:07 +0000

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- A high school teacher was charged with sexual contact with a minor after he allegedly inappropriately touched a student.

Antonio Ortega, 37, a teacher at Cibola High School, allegedly approached a female student on Wednesday, the last day of school, and placed his hand on her neck. According to the Albuquerque Journal, Ortega told the student that she couldn't tell anyone about his actions or he would be fired.

The student told Ortega to stop, but according to the Journal, Ortega forcefully touched her private parts before propositioning her for sex.

In addition to the sexual contact charge, Ortega also faces a charge of intimidation of a witness. Ortega has been placed on paid leave.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Spike in Particulate Matter Prompts City to Issue Health Alert

Anselm Gibbs — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:02:08 +0000

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- A health alert has been issued in Albuquerque for part of the day Friday due to a spike in particulate matter caused by wildfire smoke.

The city has announced that the alert will be in effect from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.

City officials say visibility has been reduced across the city and pollution monitors show elevated levels of fine particulate matter.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Police Investigating Suspicious Death of Man

Louis Milman — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:01:46 +0000

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- State Police are investigating a suspicious death at a Fort Sumner motel.

According to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, a body was located at the Coronado Motel in Fort Sumner on Sunday. When the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau arrived on scene to investigate, the victim was identified as 21-year-old Anthony Sandoval.

Investigators are still trying to determine a cause of death for Sandoval, and have ordered an autopsy.

The investigation is still active and anyone with information regarding the case is asked to call (575) 461-3300.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Public Schools Board Proposes Budget with One Percent Raise

Louis Milman — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:55:31 +0000

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- A proposed budget for the Albuquerque Public Schools will include a one percent raise for all employees next year.

According to the Albuquerque Journal, the budget, totalling $660 million, is expected to keep class sizes at the same level and prevent cuts to schools as long as they do not lose enrollment.

The budget is expected to rise for the third consecutive year. This year's budget of $614 million was up from last year's $590 million, says the Journal.

While the budget will increase, the district intends to cut life insurance subsidies to employees who retired before 2005 and consolidate summer school, saving over $500,000.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Albuquerqueans Urged to Donate to Oklahoma Tornado Victims

Anselm Gibbs — Thu, 23 May 2013 06:45:31 +0000

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- Albuquerque residents are being asked to lend a hand to those affected by the deadly tornado in Moore, Oklahoma.

According to the city, Lt. Dave Romo of the Prisoner Transport Unit is teaming up with Operation Hope to collect donations from Albuquerque residents to take to tornado victims.

Monday's tornado tore a 12-mile path of destruction that killed 24 people, including nine children, and destroyed two elementary schools.

The items suggested for donation include water, clothing, nonperishable food and energy drinks. These items will be collected on Friday at the Prisoner Transport Center, located at Fourth and Roma NW, starting at 10 a.m.

Those wishing to make monetary donations can do so by taking their contributions to the Albuquerque Police Department Chaplain Unit Fund.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Man Dies After Wind Blows Him from Barn Roof

Louis Milman — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:40:34 +0000

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- A man died after being blown off the roof of a barn in Moriarty, N.M. on Monday.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that Bradley Cartwright, 39, was working on the roof of a neighbor's barn when a gust of wind carried him 75 yards.

According to the Journal, police speculate that Cartwright may have been clinging to a piece of the room, which could have caused him to be carried so far.

The attempts of a nearby witness and rescue personnel to resuscitate Cartwright were unsuccessful.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Man Charged with DWI After Accident Outside County Courthouse

Louis Milman — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:29:18 +0000

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- A man who struck two parked cars and flipped his pickup truck outside of the Lincoln County Courthouse last week was charged with driving while intoxicated.

According to the Albuquerque Journal, Sabino Sandoval, 79, lost control of his pickup truck at about 3:30 p.m. last Thursday, causing him to strike two parked cars before flipping his pickup truck on its side.

Emergency personnel removed Sandoval by cutting off the top of the truck. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, reports the Journal.

After receiving treatment, he was charged with DWI, driving with an open container of alcohol and a lane violation.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Early-Morning Fire Damages Shed, Mobile Home

Anselm Gibbs — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:40:40 +0000

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- Two properties were damaged by an early-morning fire in Albuquerque on Wednesday.

The blaze was reported just before 3 a.m. at a shed on the 4900 block of Wilshire Avenue NE. Albuquerque Fire officials say by the time crews arrived on the scene, the shed was fully engulfed, with flames then spreading to a nearby mobile home, which also sustained extensive damage.

Firefighters were able to get the fire under control by around 4:30 a.m.

There were reports of injuries, and the cause of the blaze is being investigated.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Wildfire Concerns Prompt Stage II Fire Restrictions

James Grebey — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:58:26 +0000

(ALBUQUERUQE, N.M.) -- Due to an increased risk of wildfires, the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County have increased to stage II fire restrictions and will be closing some parts of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District starting Wednesday morning.

Stage II fire restrictions prohibit building fires or using outdoor stoves, smoking outside of enclosed vehicles, setting off fireworks and camping. They also prohibit driving off-road, using a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, or any device that could emit sparks.

Anyone found violating these restrictions faces a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jails if convicted.

“This is a very dangerous time of year for our desert city. We’re asking residents to be extra vigilant this fire season and make smart choices for the good of our community,” said Mayor Richard J. Berry. “We have an extraordinary treasure in our Bosque and we need the help of the community to preserve it.”