Friday’s Top Stories
What’s happening around New Mexico August 9-15
Police service aides can enforce traffic citations in Rio Rancho
New Mexico gov. creates new government office to deal with housing crisis
VIDEO: Deputies arrest Albuquerque men accused of drive-by shooting, causing crash
Albuquerque Animal Welfare joins nationwide ‘Clear the Shelters’ adoption event
Documentary highlights New Mexicans among first women to serve in the Navy
Friday’s Five Facts
[1] Santa Fe police identify suspect in 83-year-old man’s murder – The Santa Fe Police Department has identified 38-year-old Zachary Ryan Babitz as a suspect in the fatal shooting of 83-year-old Gordon Peter Wilson outside Best Buy earlier this week. Santa Fe police said they recovered Wilson’s stolen vehicle at an undisclosed location in Albuquerque and that detectives served at least one search warrant at an Albuquerque home as well. Babitz was charged with murder, robbery, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The department said Babitz was released from prison in March and has an extensive criminal history. Police said Babitz is known to live in Edgewood but has ties to California, Arizona, and Nevada.
[2] City of Albuquerque grant program looks to help businesses combat crime – A new program is looking to help businesses in downtown Albuquerque install security cameras. Businesses along Central say they’re tired of dealing with broken windows and doors costing them hundreds of dollars in repairs. Now the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency and the Albuquerque Police Department are teaming up to create a new grant program that will give businesses up to $20,000 per property to install surveillance cams on the outside of their buildings.
[3] Rain, muggy, & breezy conditions expected across New Mexico – Inclement weather is only beginning to wind down for some areas that got hit hard with stormy weather Thursday.
[4] Local leader calls for increased law enforcement presence at Navajo Lake – A New Mexico county commissioner is urging officials to look into improving safety measures after a recent drowning at one of the state’s largest lakes. On July 27 an 18-year-old drowned near the marina at Navajo Lake. According to a San Juan County commissioner, a New Mexico State Police lieutenant said their dive team wasn’t available and their equipment was hours away in Albuquerque. The commissioner said she wants to improve the safety at the lake.
[5] Ex Novo Brewing Co. opens downtown Albuquerque location – A brewery is bringing new life to downtown Albuquerque. Thursday, Ex Novo Brewing held a soft opening for its new location on the corner of Seventh Street and Central Ave. The historic Firestore Building on Route 66 is now home to a new taproom, restaurant, and beer garden as part of an ongoing effort to revitalize downtown.
