Santa Fe, NM – A swift police response between New Mexico State Police (NMSP) and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) helped prevent a potential tragedy Saturday after officers stopped a vehicle whose driver allegedly threatened to drive off a cliff with her four children inside.
According to the New Mexico State Police, officers in District 1 received a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) from Bernalillo County around 1 p.m. for a white Ford Explorer traveling toward Santa Fe. The driver, identified as Arianna Velarde, was reportedly making threats to drive off a cliff with her children.
NMSP officers located the SUV near Camino Carlos Rey and Zia Road, conducting a traffic stop and safely containing the vehicle. Velarde was taken into custody without incident, and all four children were safely removed and taken to the NMSP District 1 office.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office later took custody of Velarde, who was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque.
Officials commended Officers Crawford and Martinez for their “bravery, compassion, and professionalism,” crediting their coordination with BCSO for saving the lives of a mother and her children.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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