Milan Police put spotlight on mental health awareness
MILAN, N.M. – On Sunday evening the Village of Milan Police Department responded to a call of domestic violence at Kachina Country at 707 W. Route 66 in the village. Officers made contact with a female victim and discovered her male counterpart inside their room with an apparent fatal gunshot wound. No arrests were made and all law enforcement on scene was unharmed, MPD Sergeant Joe Galindo said that resources are available in Cibola County for people experiencing mental health challenges. People in need of mental health support can call 1-855-662-7474 for 24/7-hour assistance.
The female victim allegedly made her way to the front desk reception at Kachina Country and asked for them to call the police because she was in a situation of domestic violence. Officer Aragon of MPD was the first law enforcement agent on the scene and made contact with the female victim who alerted police that her male counterpart had gone to get a gun.
Officer Aragon went to check on the apartment building the male was allegedly inside of and noticed that the man had a firearm in his hand. To strengthen police presence and ensure the safety of the public, MPD teamed up with the Cibola County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies arrived on scene, together the law enforcement team called for the male to leave the apartment with no response. After a short time, and after learning about the male’s history with mental health issues and suicidal tendencies, they prepared to make entrance in the building.
Looking out for the wellbeing of not just the female victim, but the male inside the apartment building too, the department used exigent circumstances – allowing law enforcement to make entrance to an area if there is potential for immediate harm expected – for officers to make entrance using a key handed to them by the property owners.
Inside the room, officers discovered the male subject had taken his own life.
“This story has a sad ending,” MPD Sgt. Galindo, “but not every situation like this has to have a sad ending. Its tough out there right now, because of COVID and with the holidays coming it might seem that things can’t get better. There are resources available to help you if you need it, New Mexico Crisis Line phone number is 1-855-662-7474.”
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be contacted at 1-800-273-8255.
New Mexico Peer to Peer Warmline helps to put you in contact with people who can help you before crisis occurs, contact them at: 1-855-466-7100.