PUBLIC SAFETY
'Heavily armed man' seen walking in Northwest Albuquerque neighborhood
Authorities urge public to call 911 if they see the man
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The Bernalillo County Sheriff鈥檚 Office is searching for a man who was walking around a Northwest Albuquerque neighborhood with multiple weapons.
BCSO said in a social media post that residents reportedly saw a white man in his late 30s or early 40s walking in Ventana Ranch in all black clothing with a ballistic vest, rifle, handgun and a large knife on his person.
鈥淭he subject has reportedly been walking through the area and attempting to change or manipulate multiple residential security cameras,鈥� BCSO said on social media Monday night. 鈥淎t this time, there are no reports of the subject pointing the rifle at anyone.鈥�
As of Tuesday, deputies have not identified the man. Investigators will determine if the man will be criminally charged based on preliminary evidence.
BCSO in a post Tuesday said that deputies respect the right for a person to lawfully own and carry a firearm in the state.
鈥淭his investigation is not based solely on the fact that an individual was openly carrying firearms,鈥� the law enforcement agency said. 鈥淒eputies are investigating the totality of the reported conduct and circumstances that caused residents to fear for their safety.鈥�
BCSO will not release additional information as the investigation is ongoing.
Law enforcement has urged residents in the area to not engage with the man or approach him. If you see a person matching the description, deputies said to move to a safe location and call 911.
Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.
