Albuquerque Police Focus on Central Avenue Bus Stops to Ensure Rider Safety

Bus stop on Central near San Pedro

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The city recently launched a campaign aimed at reducing crime along the Central Avenue corridor. Police are conducting operations at bus stops, cracking down on some of the most problematic areas.

“People who were actually using the bus systems weren’t able to do so safely, so we had concerns about that,” said Sergeant Joann Lopez of the Albuquerque Police Department (APD).

To address those concerns, Albuquerque police have increased their resources to keep transit safe for riders by increasing the presence of officers along the central corridor. Last week, APD said 30 officers were working on the operation focused on the stretch between San Pedro and Wyoming.

“We want people who ride the bus to feel safe,” said Sgt. Lopez. “They told us they didn’t feel safe.”

Over the course of this week, police said they arrested 40 people for felony offenses and 36 others for serious misdemeanors. A 13-year-old boy was also found searching for his mother. He was then connected to CYFD and is now in their custody.

“We noticed that he was very young, we started talking to him and we told him that he was waiting for his mother,” added Sergeant Lopez. “His mother never came.”

Alcatraz police say since the operation began, businesses and bus riders have supported the effort. “We’ve had really good feedback,” Lopez said. “Businesses have come out and thanked us for being there.”

If problems persist, police say they may extend the operation.