Driver killed after Bernalillo deputy crashes into car in North Valley

A Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office deputy crashed his vehicle into another car, leaving the female driver dead, early Wednesday morning in the North Valley.

The incident also set off a dispute between agencies, with BCSO accusing the Albuquerque Police Department of releasing inaccurate details about the crash.

BCSO Sheriff John Allen, in a statement, said the deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave, adding that “this is a routine step in any serious incident and should not be interpreted as a prejudgment of the deputy’s actions.”

He said the deputy was not injured.

Allen said “to ensure the integrity of the investigation,” he has requested that the Albuquerque Police Department investigate.

After relinquishing the investigation to APD to “maintain its impartiality and thoroughness,” however, Allen accused APD of sending a news release on the crash that contained “inaccuracies” — specifically, that the deputy told dispatch that the vehicle was suspicious and that the driver “brake checked” him. A brake check is when a driver deliberately hits the brakes when moving in front of another vehicle, ostensibly with the intention of causing the behind driver to collide or take evasive action.

“After reviewing the radio transmissions, it is clear that these details were mistakenly included,” Allen said. “The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office prioritizes the accuracy and integrity of information provided to the public. We strive to correct any discrepancies swiftly to ensure public communication is factual and transparent.”

APD spokesman Gilbert Gallegos responded, “We released information that investigators obtained at the scene. We won’t have any additional comment until the investigation is complete.”

Allen, in his statement, said “preliminary information” showed the deputy tried to pull over a Honda Accord that was driving erratically and speeding, and that the driver fled. He said the deputy did not give chase “but remained in the vicinity to monitor for further incidents.”

Allen said the deputy then saw the Honda again and tried to pull it over a second time, and “shortly after this attempt was communicated via radio, the crash occurred” at Edith and Alameda NE.

Allen ended his statement: “While the initial release from APD did not align with our expectations, I have full confidence in the APD Traffic Unit and their capability to conduct a thorough and accurate investigation.”

In a release earlier Wednesday, APD spokeswoman Rebecca Atkins said BCSO detectives were “shadowing” APD’ investigation.

“The BCSO deputy used his right to remain silent with his attorney for questioning at this time, and an interview will be set up in the future,” Atkins said in a news release. “There is no suspected alcohol or drug consumption.”

Atkins said just after midnight, APD responded to a call of a two-vehicle fatal crash. She said a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office deputy was heading north on Edith in a marked Ford Explorer when the deputy “called over the radio of (a) silver Honda being a suspicious vehicle and that the deputy lost sight of the vehicle.”

“There was also a radio transmission from the deputy that the Honda brake checked the deputy,” Atkins said in the release.

She said the BCSO deputy rear-ended the Honda, and the car then drove into a wall.

Atkins said the woman driving the car was not wearing a seat belt and was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.

“The area was canvassed and there (were) no witnesses or any additional evidence at this time,” she said.