Two men in a Dodge truck with a firearm died in a crash after being pursued by New Mexico State Police and Gallup police at 11:55 pm June 5.

Law enforcement was alerted by a call that the men were seen with a firearm at the Redwood Lodge Motel in Gallup.

When police got to the parking lot of the motel, the driver of the truck was circling the lot and nearly hit their car. Then the truck turned onto N.M. State Road 118 and a chase began.

As the police got closer to the truck, the driver turned the headlights on and off and steered the Dodge into traffic coming toward it. Then the Dodge entered Interstate 40, going eastbound at mile marker 16.

The passenger began throwing objects at...

Also under the microscope: choke hold, law enforcement policies

At a point in time when use of excessive force by police is in the spotlight nationwide, New Mexico’s Attorney General, Hector Balderas is calling on the legislature to institute a chokehold ban and a body-worn camera law.

Balderas office is currently investigating the June 28, 2019 death of Rodney Lynch 41, of Gallup.

Lynch, who was believed to be intoxicated, was approached by two Community Service Aides and reportedly became aggressive when they attempted to take him to Na Nizhoozhi Center.

The senior aide, Justin Olvera, put a hold around Lynch’s neck while he was on the ground.

Two Gallup Police officers...

An Arizona man was arrested May 29 by federal marshals after a months-long search revealed he frequently traveled to Gallup for pleasure.

The man, identified as Isaiah Peshlakai, no age given, was wanted for a parole violation.

Peshlakai had been convicted in Phoenix, Ariz. on a charge of aggravated assault and served time. When he was released on probation in 2017, he was told not to commit any further crimes during the probationary period.

Peshlakai was serving his probation in Winslow, Ariz., but the FBI’s investigation of a more recent incident that occurred in Flagstaff, Ariz., led agents to believe he was involved.

A warrant was issued in Coconino County, Ariz., on Jan. 31...

TSIIZIZII, DINÉTAH (LEUPP, NAVAJO NATION) — The Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund marks its third month of operations as the Navajo Nation remains a hotspot for COVID-19. The Navajo Nation has, 5,808 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 269 who have passed on in just three months as curfews and restrictions on businesses are lifted throughout the U.S.

“Our all-volunteer leadership team remains steadfast and committed to diligently protecting the well-being and health of vulnerable Navajo and Hopi community members during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Relief Fund founder Ethel Branch said. “That this effort has grown from a small crowdfunding campaign with a handful of volunteers...