Albuquerque woman charged under Bennie’s Law after accidental shooting
An Albuquerque woman faces criminal charges under Bennie’s Law, police announced. Her 14-year-old son accidentally shot a friend inside a home. The wounded boy went to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The shooting took place last August. Several boys were gathered inside a bathroom. One of the boys was holding a handgun.
That boy had pointed the firearm and pulled the trigger repeatedly. The magazine and ammunition were not inside the gun at first. He then inserted the loaded magazine. He moved the slide back. The handgun fired a round into the victim’s shoulder.
Officers took the shooter into custody. They transported him directly to the Juvenile Detention Center.
Meanwhile, long-time balloon pilot Ray Bair is reflecting on his final flights at Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. Bair has flown for more than four decades. His colourful kaleidoscope balloon has decorated city skies since the 1980s.
Sunday, Oct. 11 marks his final scheduled flight in that craft. Bair said he may still fly other balloons. He will fly again if he gets the itch.
In southeast Albuquerque, state police identified a man killed in an officer-involved shooting. The incident began on Cochiti Road near California Street. An officer saw two men jaywalking.
The officer exited his vehicle. He announced their detention. One pedestrian walked away. Police identified him as 26-year-old Izaeah Elajah-Amar Washington.
Washington refused commands to stop and ran. During the altercation, police said Washington fired at least one round from a handgun. He missed the officer. Police said the officer returned fire with his department-issued sidearm. The officer shot Washington at least once.
Washington died at the hospital. The officer suffered no injuries.
State law penalizes adults who fail to keep loaded firearms out of reach of children. Criminal cases move from police investigations to local prosecutors for formal court filing.
State politics also drew attention this week across Albuquerque. Democratic House Speaker Javier Martinez called on Republican leadership Sunday night to denounce a proposal from President Donald Trump to rename New Mexico to “New America.”
