Photo Credit APD
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – An Albuquerque police officer is recovering after being shot in the chest during a confrontation at a hotel Sunday afternoon. According to APD, the bullet struck the officer’s radio, preventing serious injury.
The incident happened at the Rodeway Inn near Coors Boulevard and Iliff Road, close to I-40. Police say two officers approached Luis Arreola-Palma, 32, who ran from them before a struggle broke out. During that scuffle, Arreola-Palma allegedly pulled a gun and fired at one officer. A second officer returned fire, hitting Arreola-Palma multiple times. He was hospitalized in critical condition but died overnight.
APD Chief Harold Medina says Arreola-Palma had a criminal record dating back to 2010, was on the department’s Top 25 Auto Theft Offender list, and had two outstanding felony warrants. Medina expressed frustration with repeat offenders being released quickly, calling for lawmakers to address public safety during the upcoming legislative session.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and several lawmakers have also signaled interest in criminal justice reform, including juvenile justice changes, when the Legislature meets in January.
