Diego Lopez, Reporter
GRANTS, N.M. - A disturbance at Grants Apartments on Cordova Court resulted in the arrest of a resident, Amy Martinez, following a late-night altercation with the maintenance man, according to authorities.
Grants Police Department received a dispatch call from Cibola Regional Dispatch, directing him to respond to an incident at 1705 Cordova Court. The caller, later identified as Martinez, alleged that the maintenance man had pushed her and hit her in the eye before abruptly ending the call. Moments later, Martinez called back, stating she had sustained a head injury but refused medical attention.
Officers arrived at the location around 11:26 PM and encountered Martinez in the parking lot. The officer recognized her from previous unrelated incidents. Martinez claimed that she needed the maintenance man arrested because he had pushed her down and she was bleeding from her head. However, officers observed no visible signs of blood or injuries on her head or body, and her clothing revealed no apparent bruising or redness. Additionally, a strong odor of alcohol was detected on her breath and person.
A male tenant also approached officers and reported that he had called the police because Martinez had been causing disturbances throughout the evening, including constant arguments and loud yelling about the maintenance man. He expressed concern that her behavior was preventing his infant child from sleeping.
Responding officers were aware of two prior police responses to Martinez's apartment earlier that day, one at 7:47 PM and another at 9:54 PM, during which she had been advised to remain at home due to her high level of intoxication.
Officers informed Martinez that her disruptive behavior had been ongoing and was disturbing her neighbors, resulting in her arrest. Martinez protested, asserting that she had been pushed by the maintenance man. Officers explained that they had seen no evidence to support her claim and cited her intoxication as a contributing factor to her arrest.
At approximately 11:31 PM, Martinez was transported to Cibola General Hospital for medical clearance before incarceration. Medical clearance was provided by the hospital's emergency room staff at approximately 11:51 PM. Once she was cleared, GPD officers transported her to Core Civic Detention Center in Milan, New Mexico.
While on route to the detention center, Martinez allegedly repeatedly pleaded to be released, vowing to seek rehabilitation and suggesting that her uncle would take legal action against the Grants Police Department.
On October 12, 2023, at approximately 12:01 AM, Officers arrived at Cibola County Correctional Center and handed Martinez into the facility's custody. Concerns about her well-being prompted Core Civic staff to initiate suicide watch protocols, ensuring her safety.