Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
An increased presence of law enforcement this holiday weekend was geared towards promoting safety, according to New Mexico State Police officials.
QCS Photo: Jerrene Bradley
An increased presence of New Mexico State Police could be seen Friday in Tucumcari as these officers met at the corner of South Fourth Street and West Washington Avenue.
There were additional patrol officers, a boat and two boating officers and four officers from the motorcycle patrol brought in to Logan due to the increased holiday population, said Sgt. David O'Leary.
O'Leary said the purpose for the increased visibility by state police was not to hinder any celebrations, but to deter unsafe practices or actions. He said the recent boating injury at Ute Lake and two drownings at Conchas Lake have prompted state police to stress caution and safety.
"We simply wanted people to be responsible and safe, while they were out enjoying the holiday," O'Leary said.
O'Leary said only two driving while intoxicated arrests were made by state police officers over the weekend. He said officers issued several non-traffic citations including one for possession of marijuana and two for possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Tucumcari Police Department made no DWI arrests during the weekend and only had an increase in the calls related to fireworks, said Pete Rivera, deputy chief.
Rivera said from June 29 through Monday officers responded to 33 fireworks-related calls. He said that was the only increase in the department's volume of calls for service.
"It was a quiet weekend, except for the fireworks," Rivera said.
The total number of visitors reported at Ute Lake State Park from July 2-8 was 32,660, said Jodi Porter, Senior Communications Specialist with New Mexico State Parks.