Staff Reports

WINDOW ROCK , Ariz. – The 23rd Navajo Nation Council applauded Friday’s announcement that the U.S. Department of Justice will review the local investigation into the shooting death of 27-year-old Loreal Tsinigine, a member of the Navajo Nation, which occurred on March 27.

"The Navajo Nation Council is elated that the United States Department of Justice has made the decision to review the investigation into the shooting death of Loreal Tsinigine at the hands of Officer [Austin] Shipley,” stated Speaker LoRenzo Bates. “While Maricopa County may allow Officer Shipley to escape criminal prosecution, we are hopeful that a federal investigation will bring justice for...

Suspect jailed on $5K bond

By Bernie Dotson

Sun Correspondent

A Gallup man arrested July 16 on an outstanding bench warrant remained jailed July 30 on battery on a peace officer, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct charges, according to a police report.

Adrian Chavez, 30, was seen walking along West Jefferson Avenue by Gallup Police Department Officer Dan Brown. Brown noted in the report that he recognized Chavez as a person who was wanted on an outstanding bench warrant.

“He told me that he was not going to jail,” Brown recorded in the report.

Brown observed that Chavez had been drinking, and when attempting to put Chavez in handcuffs Chavez became combative and began to...

PREWITT – At about 1 pm Friday, New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal crash on n I-40 at mile marker 62, near Prewitt.

The initial investigation indicated that a semi-tractor trailer was merging onto the eastbound roadway from the shoulder when a passenger car traveling eastbound struck the rear of the semi.

Front seat passenger, identified as Helen Larry, 52, of Pillow Crest, N.M., sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver and remaining two passengers were transported by EMS for non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the semi was uninjured.

Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in this crash. The crash remains...

NMSP, GPD not releasing much detail in shooting death

When officers are involved in a shooting, they are typically placed on administrative leave – whether the reported suspect survived his wounds or died.

Officials at the Gallup Police Department confirmed through a press release that the unnamed officers who were involved with the shooting death of Gallup resident Alvin Sylversmythe, on July 24,  were placed on leave with pay.

But the release did not confirm how many officers were placed on leave or their names.

The release states that officers were dispatched to 304 Arnold Street at 12:45 am.

“… Officers took steps to disarm the male to include the deployment of less...