OFFICIAL INFORMATION REGARDING LOCAL WILDFIRES AND DRUG BUSTS IN ROOSEVELT COUNTY, APRIL 21ST-24TH
In this report from the last week of incidents from Roosevelt County, the details of events ranging from drug busts to local wildfires, account for last weeks vague responses emergency personnel provided. From the office of the Roosevelt County Sheriff, the following was sent to our news desk.
SheThe Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office has had an extremely busy week. Between wildfires, drug arrests, high speed chases and routine calls we would like to apologize to anyone that felt they did not receive the service they deserve. Due to decreased manpower and an increase in crime and population we do our very best to serve our citizens with our limited resources. We have a total of 13 sworn certified law enforcement officers with 2,500 square miles to cover for 24-hour period 7 days a week. Therefor we ask for your patience as we must prioritize.
On Friday, April 22nd, 2022, the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office, led by Lt. Javier Sanchez, executed a search warrant after a lengthy undercover operation. The Sheriff’s Office executed the warrant in the 2200 block of South Roosevelt Road 5 in Roosevelt County. During this search, deputies recovered methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, and a firearm as well as materials used to distribute the drugs. Multiple suspected drug traffickers were identified, and arrest warrants are pending. Further investigation will likely lead to more arrests.
On Sunday, April 24th, 2022, deputies of the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office executed additional search warrants in the 1600 block of South Globe Street in Portales. This search warrant resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, an undisclosed sum of cash, and the arrest of Alizey Gomez (21, Portales). The search warrant was a result of Gomez fleeing from deputies on April 22nd, 2022, that was called off due to the safe pursuit act. Gomez had eight outstanding warrants for his arrest including multiple warrants for trafficking-controlled substances and aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer. Gomez was located in the attic of the residence after a lengthy search. He faces a new, additional, charge of trafficking a controlled substance and an additional charge of fleeing a law enforcement officer. This is in large part due to a major break down in the state of NM bail reform policy that basically allows for catch and release of felonious offenders.
The Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office understands firsthand the effects of drug-trafficking and the crime it fuels in our community. Property crimes, assaults, batteries, and homicide are just a few. We will continue to identify and apprehend the criminals who endanger our community by selling drugs. Anyone who wishes to report criminal activity, of any kind, can contact us at
575-356-4408 or call Crime Stoppers at 575-356-8100. You can remain anonymous.
The Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office also responded to two grass fires this past week. The first one was on Thursday, April 21st, 2022. This grass fire was located off of NM Highway 202 in the Portales well field. The fire burned approximately 2,500 acres. There were no reports of injuries or structures burned. The cause of the fire is undetermined. It is likely to be caused by a vehicle being driven through tumbleweeds.
The second fire was April 22nd, 2022, and was located on New Mexico Highway 88 near mile post 12. The fire burned approximately 4 acres. The fire was quickly contained due to low fuel in that area and the quick response of the Arch Fire Dept. and surrounding fire crews. There were no reports of injuries or structures burned. The cause was likely a lit cigarette being thrown from a vehicle and is being investigated.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone that during the event of a fire or other emergency you can help. The best way to assist is to avoid the affected area, pull over when approached by emergency vehicles, and please at all costs DO NOT discard cigarettes from your vehicle or while working outdoors. Please secure loose chains on trailers or anything that may spark while driving on highways. Due to the extremely dry conditions any outdoor flame could lead to a catastrophic condition and negligence could lead to criminal charges.
About Post Author
