GRANTS, N.M. — New Mexico State Police say the investigation remains active after an officer’s patrol vehicle was struck by gunfire during a traffic stop in Grants on Dec. 8, with the suspect still at large, while local officials continue urging residents to report tips and remain alert during the holiday season.
In an email response to the Cibola Citizen, DPS spokesperson Amanda Richards said the incident occurred at about 10:43 p.m. Dec. 8 near the intersection of Third Street and Santa Fe Avenue while an NMSP officer in District 6 was conducting a traffic stop.
Richards said the officer was shot at, causing damage to the patrol vehicle, but the officer was not injured. She also said investigators do not believe the shots came from the driver of the vehicle stopped for a traffic infraction. The case is being investigated by the NMSP Investigations Bureau, and “the suspect is still at large,” Richards wrote.
When asked whether there were any confirmed threats involving other agencies, Richards said she was unsure about any recent threats toward Grants Police officers and advised the Citizen to contact Grants PD for comment.
Increased Police Activity Reported Dec. 16
In the days following the Dec. 8 shooting, residents reported seeing additional law enforcement activity in Grants, including on the evening of Dec. 16 near George Hanosh Boulevard.
At 6:54 p.m. Dec. 16, Grants Police Department Lt. Joe Galindo texted the Citizen that he was off duty but confirmed Grants PD was assisting state police.
“The Grants Police Department is assisting NMSP,” Galindo said in the text. “I will have [to] refer you to them for any information. It is their scene. We are assisting.”
The Citizen also received unconfirmed reports that evening from an eyewitness who said a helicopter or drone was in the area and that Balsam Road was closed from Sage and George Hanosh to Sakalares. The Citizen additionally received other unverified reports that night, including claims of possible gunshots and loudspeaker commands. The Citizen was not able to independently confirm those reports through official statements provided for this update.
The Citizen requested additional information from NMSP about the Dec. 16 activity, but no specific incident details were provided in the email exchanges included in this report.
Separately, community members raised questions this month after tracking a New Mexico State Police helicopter flying in the Grants–Milan area, including a wide turn near Mount Taylor following Lobo Canyon Road.
In a Dec. 18 email, Richards said the NMSP helicopter, ABLE 7, was flying in the Grants, Milan and Cibola County area as part of its “normal patrol operations,” and those flights were not specifically related to the Dec. 8 shooting.
“ABLE 7 routinely flies throughout different areas of the state to maintain readiness and to be available should patrol units require assistance,” Richards wrote. She added that aviation patrol routes may include wide turns or changes in altitude due to terrain, weather, or flight safety considerations around mountainous areas such as Mount Taylor.
Chief Monte: Report Tips, Stay Alert
Grants Police Chief Maxine Monte told the Citizen that Grants PD recognizes the seriousness of the Dec. 8 incident and its impact on the community. Monte encouraged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
“Anyone with information that may assist in an arrest and prosecution is encouraged to contact New Mexico State Police or any local law enforcement agency,” Monte said in a text message. “If they would like to remain anonymous please call Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 505-287-8400.”
Monte said public safety remains the department’s top priority and asked residents to stay aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity, adding that Grants officers will continue proactive patrols through the holidays to maintain a visible presence.
How to Share Information
Officials are asking anyone with information related to the Dec. 8 shooting to Courtesy Photo contact New Mexico State Police or any local law enforcement agency. For anonymous tips, residents can call Crime Stoppers at 505-287-8400. For emergencies, call 911.