Man recently arrested after fleeing from deputies in Northwest Albuquerque

The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office says it is continuing its crackdown on street racing in the area.

This comes on the heels of a recent arrest of a man who fled from deputies during an operation. It is unclear how many arrests have been made during the operation that started in April.

Mohammed Abdulwahhab, 27, of Albuquerque is charged with aggravated fleeing of a police officer. He is on pretrial release, according to court records.

BCSO spokesman Connor Otero said the suspect was frequently seen brandishing firearms and participating in reckless driving. He was also a known figure at “meets,” informal gatherings for car enthusiasts.

There are people who like to show off their cars, “which we encourage,” BCSO Sgt. Scott Magee said at a July 2 news conference, but there are others that think “criminal activity is going to get the draw, so they highlight (the) activity.”

Otero said Abdulwahhab has a history of fleeing from law enforcement.

According to court records, in August 2023, Abdulwahhab pleaded guilty to spectating (being within 200 feet) at a race or drag race. In 2022, Bernalillo County adopted a resolution making street racing and spectating illegal.

“Unfortunately, people who gather to watch these races are also becoming victims and have been hit by racing cars,” County Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada said in a statement in 2022.

At the end of August, Abdulwahhab is scheduled to appear in court for a November 2023 charge of racing on highways, court records state.

According to a criminal complaint filed at Metropolitan Court, on July 19, BCSO deputies were conducting an operation targeting street racing when they learned of a “large gathering of vehicles” in the area of Paradise and Universe on the West Side.

Deputies said an undercover detective told them about a Dodge Charger with a license plate that belonged to another vehicle. Otero said as the vehicle — driven by a man later identified as Abdulwahhab — left the car meet in the Charger, deputies tried to stop him before he fled and nearly caused a crash at Paradise and Unser.

Otero said due to the absence of “pursuable charges,” deputies stopped their pursuit. A report was later forwarded to auto theft detectives. He said detectives were able to identify Abdulwahhab from photos taken that day.

Abdulwahhab was arrested on July 24.

“This arrest, along with the recent arrest of Anthony Farias, sends a clear message to the illegal racing community that the BCSO is supported by vigilant, law-abiding citizens and is well-equipped with advanced technology,” Sheriff John Allen said in a statement.

Farias was charged with aggravated fleeing of law enforcement officers on June 27 after driving through a car wash and fleeing from deputies in Southwest Albuquerque. According to court records, Farias pleaded not guilty on July 26.

According to a criminal complaint, Farias previously posted videos on social media of himself fleeing from law enforcement.

Allen said people bragging on social media about running from deputies not only puts themselves in danger, but the deputies and community as well.

“I take that seriously,” Allen said.