Albuquerque, NM – On Saturday March 27, 2021 New Mexico State Police Officers launched their second operation this month designed to curb illegal street racing in Albuquerque. This time, teaming up with the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) to Stop the Race.
At around 1:00 a.m., New Mexico State Police’s helicopter, ABLE 7, spotted over 100 vehicles and spectators participating in illegal street racing near Office Boulevard and Singer Boulevard. This area was selected for the targeted operation based on citizens’ complaints as well as the officer’s observations and previous encounters.
Thanks to the thorough preplanning by the officers involved, the operation, which caught drag racers and spectators off-guard was a success. No instances of use of force were reported, and the swift actions of the officers prevented any pursuits from occurring. In all, State Police issued 110 citations to drivers and spectators at the illegal street racing event. APD issued an additional 40 citations.
“Street racing is a concerning issue in our city, and the results of this operation, show just how significant the problem is,” said Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina. “I’m grateful for our working partnership with NMSP and I hope that our continued joint presence, will make drivers think twice about racing on Albuquerque streets.”
This is the second targeted street racing operation conducted by State Police this month. On March 7, State Police officers issued 90 citations to illegal street racers and spectators near Washington Street and Alameda Boulevard in Albuquerque after following up on citizens’ complaints.
“Drag racing and illegal street racing have no place on the same streets used by our families here in New Mexico”, said Robert Thornton, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. “Working with our local law enforcement partners to keep New Mexico citizens safe on the roadways is a top priority for my agency.”
The public can expect to see future operations designed to keep citizens and bystanders safe from the potentially deadly results of illegal street racing. NMSP reminds citizens that not only is it illegal to race motor vehicles on public roads, but it is also illegal to be a spectator at an illegal street racing event.