Gallup police are asking for the public’s help in their investigation of a shooting incident involving a local teenager.
Around 7 pm on Aug. 15, Gallup Police Officer Gilbert Gonzales responded to the area of South Second Street and Logan Avenue when a 15-year-old called Metro Dispatch himself after he was shot in the stomach.
The shooting was said to have taken place in the area of the Rio Puerco — commonly referred to locally as the “Perky” — and Second Street. Contrary to rumors in the community, the shooting took place on a dirt trail along the Rio Puerco, which is a drainage canal that runs along Second Street.
The victim said two men approached him, and one of them reportedly pulled out a firearm and shot him once. The men then fled the area. The 15-year-old was flown to a hospital in Albuquerque and as of press time he is currently in stable condition.
The young man described the man who shot him as a «lanky» white man with a goatee. He said the man was wearing sweatpants and a black hooded sweatshirt. The second man was described as wearing a blue hoodie.
The incident is currently under active investigation and authorities are limited on what information can be released. The Gallup Police Department is taking anyone who has information about the suspects or incident to contact Gallup Crimestoppers at 1-877- 722-6161 or call the GPD directly at (505) 863-9365. Reports can be made anonymously.
HOZHO ACADEMY TO HOLD A VIGIL
Hozho Academy Principal Juliane Hillock sent a letter to the families of the school on Aug. 19 in which she confirmed that the victim attended the school. At the time, the GPD had not made the shooting public knowledge.
Hillock announced that the school will host a town hall meeting on Aug. 22 where the public will be welcomed to discuss their public safety concerns. The town hall will start at 6:30 pm.
In her letter Hillock discussed how Hozho staff and students, and even herself, have been victims of crimes in the area.
"This has been concerning, but now that one of our students has been shot in broad daylight while simply walking our streets, we can longer wait to address safety in our community,» Hillock said. «These individuals have not been apprehended and the community has not been notified of the danger. We, as community members, need to ask our community leaders to address the issue of crime and safety."
Hozho Academy is also requesting to hold a candlelight vigil on Aug. 27 from 6 pm to 8 pm at City Hall during the Gallup City Council meeting. The purpose of the vigil is to acknowledge those in the community who have been victims of crime.
Staff Reports
