ABQ murder suspect arrested in Las Vegas
A man wanted in Bernalillo County on an open count of murder was arrested in Las Vegas in a joint effort by Albuquerque Police, New Mexico State Police and Las Vegas Police.
According to Lt. Mark Soriano of NMSP, 37-year-old Franklin Gallegos was arrested around 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 14, at a home in the 2100 block of Lopez Street, on the city’s west side.
“State Police was contacted by APD because they had reason to believe (Gallegos) was at a family member’s residence in Las Vegas,” Soriano said.
According to Soriano, Gallegos was the only one arrested and no other suspects are being sought.
Gallegos was wanted on multiple felony charges, including an open count of murder in the first degree, felony tampering with evidence, felony aggravated assault and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Details of the homicide case Gallegos has been charged in connection with have been sealed by Bernalillo County District Court Judge Charles Brown, citing that details in court records could interfere with an ongoing investigation, potentially identify confidential sources and could lead to witness tampering. The order states the seal will be lifted once Gallegos has a first appearance in a New Mexico Court, but as of this writing, the case was still sealed.
Gallegos was booked into the San Miguel County Detention Center on Aug. 14 and was held there until Aug. 20. According to Soriano, Gallegos will likely be transported to Bernalillo County.
“Since the warrant’s out of Bernalillo County, I’m sure Bernalillo County will be reaching out to the detention center and have him transported,” Soriano said.
An APD spokesman wouldn’t comment on the arrest but said a copy of the criminal complaint would be provided to the Optic as soon as the judge unseals it.
Soriano told the Optic Gallegos surrendered to police peacefully.
“The Investigations Bureau worked with our uniformed patrol officers there in … Las Vegas,” Soriano said. “When officers arrived at the residence, they made contact and (Gallegos) was taken into custody without incident.”
In court documents, Gallegos is listed as being homeless, but his social security number indicates he was born in California. He has no prior criminal history in New Mexico.
