GRANTS, N.M. – In response to a series of alarming incidents in our community, Grants Parks have been mandated to close at sunset, a decision communicated by Grants Police Chief Maxine Monte during a recent city council meeting. This measure comes after multiple incidents of shots being fired and burglaries in the area, leading to increased police presence. Although it is not yet known if the recent shooting and burglaries are directly connected to the park closures, the timing of these events has raised concerns.
Chief Maxine Monte explained, “It is still currently under investigation, with the assistance of our detectives and our patrol division.”
The series of shots fired incidents began on March 8, when police received a report of gunfire at the 1200 block of Ash Street. There were no injuries as no one was in the vicinity when officers responded. Chief Monte explained, “What took place is, there was a shooting to an unoccupied dwelling. Nobody was inside the dwelling; it was a shed.”
She urged the public to assist in their investigations, reminding residents that they can provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers or by contacting the Grants Police Department directly.
The following day, March 9, around 3:00 a.m., another shots fired incident occurred, with reports of roughly six shots being fired. However, the specific location of this. Even has not been determined, making it challenging for authorities to contact any individuals involved. Chief Monte noted, “We received several calls about the shots fired, but it was really hard to pinpoint where it was.”
On March 14, at approximately 11:30 p.m., shots were reported at Riverwalk Parl. Police managed to obtain video footage from flock cameras in the area and Chief Monte assured the public that investigators were actively working on these leads to get to the bottom of the incidents.
The series of events continued on March 17 at 11:33 p.m., when officers responded to a report of individuals in a vehicle at Elm Park flashing guns. Upon their arrival, officers made contact with several individuals in the parking lot. During this interaction, those individuals fled the scene, and a shot was fired.
Chief Monte said, “So if you look, all these incidents are happening after 11 o’clock at night.”
The shootings have also coincided with an increase in burglaries, with twelve reported incidents in the last thirty days. Chief Monte noted that many of these burglaries are classified as crimes of opportunity, occurring due to unlocked doors and windows. “About five of those burglaries are come-of-opportunity,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of securing one’s property, urging residents to ensure doors, car doors, and windows are locked and secured. Chief Monte offered some practical advice, encouraging local businesses, “to leave a light on so when [the police] drive by they can see inside and if there’s movement… So we’re asking the public to be mindful.”
She also highlighted the community’s role in preventing crime, urging residents to “see something, say something” to allow police to assess potential threats. While acknowledging that it is not illegal for citizens to walk the streets at night, Chief Monte encouraged people to clear the Grants Police Department if they encounter any suspicious vehicles or activities. “If you see something unusual, call us,” she said.
The Cibola Citizen reached out to the Grants Police Department to see if the park closures at sunset are connected to the recent incidents, but did not receive a response before deadline.