MDC corrections officer killed in car crash

BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. — A corrections officer at the Metropolitan Detention Center died in a car accident this week, Bernalillo County announced Friday.

The single-vehicle crash happened Wednesday evening on Shelley Drive SW, near the I-40 front road. The crash claimed the life of officer Raquel Sachs. She was only 19 years old.

Sachs graduated from the 252nd MDC cadet class on September 6. About two weeks later, she began serving as an officer.

“The Bernalillo County community, including county commissioners, officers, Metropolitan Detention Center staff and the warden’s office, extend their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Officer Raquel Sachs,” said Shirley Ragin, the interim manager of Bernalillo County. “Our thoughts and prayers are also with the MDC Cadet Class 252 officers as they mourn this tragic loss.”

Director Kai Smith added that Sachs had already made an impact on the staff and her fellow officers in a short time. The director said: “MDC has lost more than a dedicated officer – it has lost a member of his family.”

The province is offering counseling services to affected employees. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash.