Safety and Security Matters Airs Today on KRSN AM 1490 from 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Call in to 663-1490 KRSN 1490 AM from 8:30-9:30 a.m. today during Safety and Security Matters with Carol A. Clark and Det. DeWayne Williams.
Today’s topic is the ins and outs of day to day safety for individuals and families.
Los Alamos is a wealthy town filled with highly educated people but that does not spare it from a representative share of mentally distressed residents, supporting the notion that there is a fine line between genius and insanity.
Local police reports are loaded with domestic disputes, assaults upon peace officers and instances of more bizarre behaviors.
Affected individuals are attended to through local mental health systems, law enforcement and church communities as warranted.
“It takes a whole community to try to surround a person in need in a healthy and supportive way,” said Rev. Fr. Colin Kelly of Trinity on the Hill Church.
Kelly explained the first step is to determine which individual community the person belongs to whether it’s the senior center, a particular church or a specific family.
The second step is to help draw the person into that community in a healthy, healing way, he said.
“We have wonderful organizations in this town. I’ve been a member of Kiwanis for many years and they do a good job of keeping in touch with members going through issues and referring them for help,” Kelly said. “Los Alamos Visiting Nurses Association provides a wonderful nursing ministry and Sombrillo and Aspen Ridge provide tremendous care for those beyond family care.”
Law enforcement typically determines whether a person with mental or emotional issues, who has come to their attention, should enter the mental health system or the criminal justice system.
Police have the power and authority to protect the safety and welfare of the community.
They also have a “parens patriae” obligation, which is the doctrine that grants the inherent power and authority of the state to protect persons who are legally unable to act on their own behalf.
Read the full story in Wednesday’s Los Alamos Monitor.
Police Beat items are compiled from public information contained in Los Alamos Police Department Records.
Charges or citations listed in Police Beat do not imply innocence or guilt.
Nov. 12
6:13 a.m. – Frankie Montoya, 26, of Los Alamos arrested at 817 45th St. on Municipal Court warrant.
7:20 a.m. – A 38-year-old Los Alamos woman reported graffiti on the walls and garage door of her establishment. The estimated damage is $300.00.
8:14 a.m. – RMCI Inc of Albuquerque reported the theft of some 250 gallons of diesel fuel from a storage tank at the Los Alamos Golf Course. The estimated loss is $650.
9:17 a.m. – Los Alamos National Security at 1650 Trinity Dr. reported the theft of a desktop projector from TA-8, Building 21 at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The estimated loss is $1,100.
1:49 p.m. – A 97-year-old Los Alamos woman reported being the victim of larceny at Aspen Ridge Lodge. The estimated loss is less than $250.
9:47 p.m. – John Pacheco, 27, of Los Alamos was arrested on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear and contempt of court.
Nov. 13
1:41 a.m. – Tyler Duncan , 22, of White Rock was arrested on Arkansas Avenue as a result of a traffic stop and charged with driving when privilege to do so has been revoked based on a DWI.
2:27 a.m. – Frank Brewer, 21, of Española was arrested on Rover Boulevard as a result of a traffic stop and charged with driving on a revoked license based on a DWI.
Nov. 14
1:20 a.m. – Kenneth Golden, 48, of Detroit was arrested on Trinity Drive and charged with DWI after being observed driving suspiciously by a Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office deputy.
7:42 a.m. – A 33-year-old Los Alamos man reported the windshields of two vehicles broken by rocks and the driver’s side window of another vehicle broken. The estimated damage is more than $1,000.
Nov. 15
3:10 p.m. – A 22-year-old Los Alamos woman reported damage to her side view mirror. An investigation revealed a household member damaged the mirror. The estimate loss is $20.
5:14 p.m. – Raul Ramirez, 26, of Los Alamos was arrested on an outstanding Magistrate Court warrant based on failure to pay fines from a traffic citation.
6:29 p.m. – Vincent Nitz, 43, of Los Alamos was arrested in Tsikimu Village and charged with assault on a peace officer as a result of an investigation into a report of a domestic disturbance.
Nov. 16
1:14 p.m. – A 14-year-old Los Alamos girl was reportedly involved in a fight with another girl across the street from Los Alamos High School and the case was sent to the juvenile probation officer for review of the charges.
Nov. 17
9:23 a.m. – A 14-year-old Los Alamos boy was charged with possession of a controlled substance at Los Alamos High School after reportedly being involved in an incident that resulted in the brief lockdown of the school.
9:23 a.m. – A 17-year-old Los Alamos boy was charged with possession of a controlled substance at Los Alamos High School after reportedly being involved in an incident that resulted in the brief lockdown of the school.
2:13 p.m. – A 40-year-old Los Alamos woman reported the fraudulent use of her credit card. The estimated loss is unknown.
11:55 p.m. – Anthony Brophy, 51, of Los Alamos was arrested at 650 San Ildefonso Rd. and charged false imprisonment based on an investigation of a domestic disturbance.
Nov. 18
3:49 p.m. – Blaine McFerrin, 18, of Los Alamos was arrested at Los Alamos High School and charged with the unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon on school property after being observed with a knife on his person and subsequently found to have a pair of brass knuckles.
Owner Eric Garcia twirls pizza dough as he and his crew of pizza professionals and a pizza jockey gather together for a photo shoot in front of Home Run Pizza at 15th Street and Central Avenue Tuesday. Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Framing Wood is Hoisted onto the Roof of the Jail with a Sky-Track Vehicle Thursday Afternoon
Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Los Alamos Fire Department Cadet Training Class at Training Center on DP Road Recently
Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
The End of One Era and the Beginning of Another as Village Arts Winds Down its Moving Sale
Moving signs are prominent in the windows of Village Arts in Central Park Square today marking the end of an era. Marilyn and Gary Warren owned the art and framing business for more than a decade and sold it in October to Ken Nebel and Jim O'Donnell who are in the process of relocating Village Arts to a new Facility on DP Road. Watch the Los Alamos Monitor for grand opening details and the start of a new era soon. Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Movie crew at Anderson Overlook Saturday. Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
The movie ““Let Me In”starring Kodi Smit-McPhee from “The Road” and Chloe Moritz from “The Eye” was shooting in Los Alamos Saturday at Anderson Overlook and at a location further down the Hill.
Matt Reeves, who directed “Cloverfield” is directing the movie.
Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
“Let Me In” is a story about a bullied young boy who befriends a young female vampire who lives in secrecy with her guardian.
Casting director Elizabeth Gabel is known for her work on “No Country for Old Men” and “Terminator Salvation” among others.
Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Movie crews worked further down the Main Hill Road where their trailer is under state police escort. Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Los Alamos School Board President Joan Ahlers and Superintendent of Schools Gene Schmidt congratulate philanthropic student Derek Selvage. See Tuesday's education section of the Los Alamos Monitor for details. Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Judge Pat Casados working at her courtroom computer recently. Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Editor’s Note: Incumbents in the upcoming election will be featured Sunday’s in the Monitor. New candidates will be featured after they officially file their candidacies on March 16.
Magistrate Court Judge Pat Casados hears up to 20 domestic violence cases, 25 DWI’s, 50 civil and 300 traffic cases annually.
She’s also officiated 228 marriages in her seven years as judge in Los Alamos.
That varied and busy schedule is a major reason Casados has announced her candidacy to another four-year term.
“I love this work, no two days are the same and it gives me great joy when someone I’ve sentenced comes back and thanks me for putting them on a straight path and their family thanks me because I’ve helped turned their loved one’s life around,” ,” Casados said. “Also, I feel like I’ve started some things I’d like to complete.”
“I’ve been elected secretary treasurer of the Magistrate Judges Association and I’m really looking forward to serving on that board and continuing my service on the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board and the DWI Planning Council,” she said.
“I also thoroughly enjoy the opportunities I have to speak before the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and working with the Los Alamos High School Civic Classes in their court sessions. Another reason is I’ve been invited to be an instructor for the 2010 New Judges Orientation and Training Program.”
Casados, 58, explained she and several other judges throughout the state have dedicated their time to ensuring new judges are well trained.
New judges now receive a total of four weeks of training whereas when Casados was first elected in 2002, the training lasted just five days.
“We’ve really worked hard to make sure the training is strong. The New Mexico Supreme Court has been very pleased with the way the Magistrate Court is taking care of its own,” Casados said.
During her years on the bench, Casados has served on courts in Santa Fe, Espanola, Los Lunas, Moriarty, Estancia and Roswell and more recently in Las Cruces.
“It’s been very interesting to see how other courts and some of our larger courts work. I’m very proud to represent Los Alamos in the state.
I strive to do my very best every time I put on that robe. I’m not representing myself, I’m representing the County of Los Alamos and I try to emulate the values and standards of this county.
Read the full story in the Los Alamos Monitor.
Gov. Bill Richardson pays his respects to former Gov. Bruce King who lies in state in the rotunda of the State Capitol Building in Santa Fe today. King's funeral will be held Saturday at the Moriarty High School Gymnasium. Former President Bill Clinton is expected to attend the service. Photo by R. Thomas Berner/Monitor
Gov. Bill Richardson presents the state flag to former Gov. Bruce King's son, New Mexico Attorney General Gary King, in the rotunda at the Roundhouse. Photo by R. Thomas Berner/for the Monitor
Photo by R. Thomas Berner/for the Monitor
Former Gov. Bruce King's body is carried into the State Capitol Friday. Photo by R. Thomas Berner/for the Monitor
Photo by R. Thomas Berner/for the Monitor
Photo by R. Thomas Berner/for the Monitor
Police arrested Eric Chaperon, 19, at 1437 Big Rock Loop at 8:30 a.m. today and charged him with battery on a household member with a deadly weapon for reportedly stabbing Quinn Taylor, 20, with a sword at the same address.
Los Alamos Police Lt. Reggie Briggle said Taylor was rushed by ambulance to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Santa Fe in serious condition.
“He suffered stab wounds to his back and upper leg,” Briggle said.
Jim West
Longtime Los Alamos resident and former county councilor Jim West died Thursday.
West fought cancer for the last year that had metastasized and was found to be in an advanced stage in his system. He traveled to Houston to undergo treatment for Large Cell Lymphoma.
In an interview this morning, County Administrator Tony Mortillaro praised West for his many contributions to the community during his 40 years living here.
“I’m very saddened to hear that Jim West lost his battle with the illness. He was a friend, mentor and an outstanding individual whom I admired very much for his honesty and the care he showed for the employees of Los Alamos County,” Mortillaro said.
Council Chair Michael Wheeler expressed his sadness when hearing about the passing of West.
“Jim and I ran for election in 2002 and we worked together for years at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. During his service on the council, Jim was always willing to listen to all sides of an issue before making a decision,” Wheeler said. “He was very proud of the progress of Los Alamos during his time on council and especially during his leadership as chair. Jim’s contribution to our standing in the state and especially in northern New Mexico is his legacy. Our community is diminished by his passing.”
County Council Vice Chair Michael Wismer expressed his condolences to the family.
“Jim West was a proud citizen of Los Alamos who lived his life to the fullest. As a public servant, he gave his all to this community,” Wismer said. “As a friend and colleague, he gave his infectious smile and his unique brand of philosophy of life and living that will remain with me for the rest of my life. He will be greatly missed.”
Read the full story in the Los Alamos Monitor.
Logan Collins with his parents Tonya and Floyd Collins. Courtesy photo
A public memorial service for Logan Collins is set for 2 p.m. Monday at the Los Alamos Middle School Gymnasium followed by a public reception in the LAMS cafeteria.
Collins, 12, sustained severe head injuries from being struck by a vehicle after exiting an Atomic City Transit bus Wednesday evening on San Ildefonso Road at Hawk Drive.
The seventh grader was on his way to basketball practice at LAMS gymnasium when the accident occurred.
“The family would like the community to know what a great kid Logan was. He was so kind, handsome, athletic and he had a brilliant mind, he was very smart and we’ll just miss him forever,” Collins’ grandmother Suzie Boulden said this morning.
There’s been an out pouring of condolences expressed to Collins’ family.
“The staff and students of Los Alamos Middle School are going to miss Logan tremendously. His bright smile will be sorely missed in the days to come,” Principal Donna Grim said.
“Students have been sharing wonderful things about him such as ‘Logan was a true friend. He was always able to notice if someone needed something or was in trouble. Logan could reach out to them and made them feel better.’”
Read the full story in the Los Alamos Monitor.
A public memorial service for Logan Collins is set for 2 p.m. at the Los Alamos Middle School Gymnasium on Monday.
A private burial will follow.
Read more in the Los Alamos Monitor.
Official Police Statement:
On 11/18/2009 at approximately 5:46 p.m. hours there was a serious traffic crash involving Logan Collins, a 12-year-old male Los Alamos resident.
The crash occurred at the intersection of San Ildefonso Road and Hawk Drive.
The pedestrian had just exited an Atomic City Transit Bus and was attempting to cross San Ildefonso Road in front of the bus.
He was then struck by the pickup as it was overtaking the stopped bus, traveling in the same direction.
The pickup was being driven by Rollin Tylerr Jones, 31, also of Los Alamos.
A traffic crash investigation is ongoing.
At this time, no citations or charges have been filed by the Los Alamos Police Department.
The pedestrian was transported to the Los Alamos Medical Center by ambulance and later transported to UNMH in Albuquerque via helicopter.
Hospital staff advised us at about 10 p.m. that the pedestrian was in critical condition.
Late afternoon on 11/19/2009, the Los Alamos Police Department was notified by staff at UNMH that Logan Collins had died at 2:46 p.m. as a result of his injuries sustained in this crash.
A Channel 4 news crew interviews Police Chief Wayne Torpy this afternoon in front of the Los Alamos Police Station about Wednesday's traffic accident involving local student Logan Collins. Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Los Alamos Police Capt. Randy Foster looks on as Channel 4 interviews Police Chief Wayne Torpy. Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
A Channel 4 camerman talks with Police Chief Wayne Torpy this afternoon in front of the Los Alamos Police Department. Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Logan Collins
A spokesperson for University of New Mexico Hospital officially confirmed late this afternoon that Los Alamos Middle School student Logan Collins has died.
Collins, 12, sustained severe head injuries from being struck by a vehicle after exiting an Atomic City Transit bus Wednesday evening on San Ildefonso Road at Hawk Drive.
The seventh grader was on his way to basketball practice at LAMS gymnasium when the accident occurred.
A memorial fund has been set up in Logan’s behalf at Los Alamos National Bank. Contributors can contact the bank for further instructions.
The family is requesting in lieu of flowers that community members donate to the LANB fund, family friend Tiffany Lovell said late this afternoon.
“The family is asking for everyone to refrain from calling or visiting the Collins’ family at this time to allow for as much privacy as possible. We are coordinating meals for the family and at this time are scheduled through this Sunday,” Lovell said. “We have many more volunteers awaiting the opportunity to serve.”
Funeral service information is pending, she said.
For information about future meal needs and ways to help with hotel and other expenses for out of town family members, contact Tiffany Lovell at 501-1014.
Breaking News: Local Youth Struck by Vehicle Early this Evening is Airlifted to UNM Hospital
Los Alamos Police Chief Wayne Torpy discusses the accident with the county's transportation chief Kyle Zimmerman. The silver Chevrolet Avalanche is seen in between the LAPD Incident Command Center and the Atomic City Transit bus in which the boy exited just before 6 p.m. today. Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
A 12-year-old Los Alamos boy stepped off an Atomic City Transit bus and into the path of an oncoming vehicle shortly before 6 p.m. today.
The youth walked in front of the bus and into a Chevrolet Avalanche driving in the left lane on San Ildefonso Road at Hawk near Los Alamos Middle School.
The impact from the vehicle, driven by an adult male, lifted the boy out of his tennis shoes.
Lt. Chuck Ney said the youth suffered head and other injuries.
He was air lifted to UNM Hospital in Albuquerque, Ney said.
The accident is under investigation and it is not known at this time whether the driver will be charged.
Read the full story in the Los Alamos Monitor.
Police tape sections off the Chevrolet Avalanche involved in the accident that injured a 14-year-old Los Alamos boy attempting to cross San Ildefonso Road early this evening. Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Chief Wayne Torpy working inside the Incident Command Center. Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Photo by Carol A. Clark/Monitor
Get Business Done Early as Most County Offices Won’t have Phones or Computers on Friday after Lunch
The County will be bringing down its computer network starting Friday after noon for a fiber “cutover” project related to construction of the Judicial/Police-Jail Complex.
The network will be down through Sunday evening.
Many County facilities will be without phone or computer internet service during this time.
The impacted facilities include:
All 4 Suites (Finance, Clerk, Human Resources, Assessor) located in modulars at the former Municipal Bldg Site
The Police Department (non-critical public safety functions – no impact to 911 emergency services)
All 3 Suites (Public Works & Capital Projects/Facilities) located west of the Qwest Building on Trinity Drive County Annex (Utilities, 311 Customer Care Center, Community Development, Risk Management, Purchasing, Warehouse)
Other County facilities, such as the County Administrator’s office, Aquatic Center, Fuller Lodge, the Golf Course, Airport, Eco Station and two public libraries are not impacted.
Residents seeking services or assistance from staff located in these impacted facilities may wish to plan accordingly.
Service should be restored Monday.
