Off-duty Questa Police officer killed in motorcycle crash

QUESTA — Flags will be lowered to half-staff in this northern New Mexico village after an off-duty Questa Police officer riding his motorcycle through Taos early Friday afternoon was killed in a crash with another vehicle.

Questa Mayor John Ortega confirmed that 27-year-old Anthony Martinez was killed in the collision, which remains under investigation by Taos Police Department.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Martinez’s family,” Ortega told the Journal. “Our employees are like family to me, I pray for their safety daily.”

The crash occurred at around 2 p.m. near the Taos County Courthouse Complex on Albright Street, which was partially closed while officers managed the scene of the collision. The other driver was in a Chevy Equinox and was taken to Holy Cross Medical Center to be treated for injuries.

Martinez had worked with the Taos police force for roughly two years before joining Questa Police Department, which reopened in 2023 after closing in 2020. The Village of Questa webpage for the local police agency lists four other staff members.

“Anthony was a great addition to our team and family,” Ortega said.

Law enforcement agencies and first responders around northern New Mexico took to social media Friday night to post messages of condolences for Martinez and his family.

“Officer Martinez served his community with honor, integrity, and dedication,” a post on the Red River Marshal’s Office Facebook page reads. “His commitment to protecting others and his unwavering service will never be forgotten. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire Questa Police Department during this heartbreaking time.”

A post on the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Facebook page said: “Sheriff Mendoza and the staff at the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office extend our condolences to the family of Officer Anthony Martinez, and to the Questa Police Department.”