Written by Officer Dusty Francisco 08/13/2021
Gallup, NM – In May of 2021, the Gallup Police Department requested the assistance from the New Mexico State Police in an effort curb the influx of street racing within the city limits of Gallup, NM, and surrounding areas.
After planning the operations with the Gallup Police Department and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office, two street racing operations were conducted. The first operation was conducted on July 17, 2021, and another on August 7, 2021. Both operations focused on street racing and other traffic violations within the city limits of Gallup and surrounding area of the county. The first operation consisted of a total of 29 officers from the New Mexico State Police, the Gallup Police Department, and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office.
During the 7-hour operation conducted on July 17, 2021, officers made a total of 3 DWI arrests and 5 other arrests. Officers also issued more than 40 traffic citations.
On August 7, 2021, New Mexico State Police conducted a second operation with the assistance of the New Mexico State Police Special Operations Unit Helicopter ABLE-7.
During the 6-hour operation, New Mexico State Police officers made a total of 2 DWI arrests, 2 other arrests, and issued 30 traffic citations.
“Illegal street racing continues to be an issue statewide, it unnecessarily puts the safety of citizens traveling in New Mexico in danger” said Tim Johnson, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. “Operations like these are essential in promoting safety to the public and the communities we serve.”
New Mexico State Police will continue to work in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to conduct proactive operations like these throughout the year. We encourage the public to drive safely and obey all traffic laws while traveling the roadways of New Mexico.