Fallen suspect’s brother opens up about case

In the early hours of July 24, Alvin Sylversmythe was shot and killed by Gallup Police Department officer(s). Sylversmythe, 30, was reportedly intoxicated and charged at officers while wielding two knives.

The case is currently in the hands of New Mexico State Police, but as of press time, officials have yet to release the name of the officer – or officers – who fired the deadly shot.

NMSP Sgt. Chad Pierce said in an email, dated Aug. 11, that the reason the names of the officers involved in the shooting haven’t been released “is due to the investigative process.”

“Please remember no two investigations are the same as some...

The legal limit is .08

Rigina Johns

Aug. 6

5th DWI

The New Mexico Department of Transportation announced one of the state’s top 10 DWI fugitives, Rigina Johns, was arrested by the Gallup Police Department. In June, Johns absconded from supervision after being convicted of her fifth DWI. This was the second time Johns ran from the law. She also absconded in 2013 after she was convicted of an aggravated DWI.

“Repeat DWI offenders who are hiding from the law pose a great danger to New Mexico families and can create disasters on our roads,” NMDOT Cabinet Secretary Tom Church said. “I’m glad to report that another one of the top 10 DWI fugitives has been...

State agencies, many of which already saw big budget cuts after the most recent legislative session, will now have to cut spending even further.

A memo sent Aug. 9 by Gov. Susana Martinez says the state will “prepare for and begin reducing general fund spending” by a further five percent.

Martinez blames “persistently low global energy prices, and the resulting drop in drilling activity” for the necessary cuts but says “responsible spending, budgeting and reserve policies over the past five years” make sure the budget situation is not worse.

Senate Finance Committee Chair John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, said last month the state could face a $500 million shortfall in the...

Damage costs are significant

Fire ravaged an east side motel Aug. 9, forcing occupants to take shelter at a nearby gymnasium, officials said. The fire is being investigated by the Gallup Fire Department and Gallup Police Department.

The cause of the fire at the Road Runner Motel, 3012 E. Hwy 66, remains under investigation. There were no injuries reported. Deputy Fire Chief Jesus Morales said the estimated cost of fire damage is significant.

Morales said a call came into dispatch at around 8:15 pm regarding a structure fire at a hotel near Indian Hills.

“It was a general alarm call,” Morales said. “We got there within minutes.”

Morales said the fire initially broke out in...