By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper.
A heavily armed man is still walking around Ventana Ranch, and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office wants residents to keep their distance if they spot him. Reports of the man walking the neighborhood came in Monday and as of 2 p.m. Tuesday, BCSO is still searching for him.
BCSO describes the man as a white male in his late 30s to early 40s, dressed in all black with a ballistic vest, a rifle slung across his body, a handgun on his hip and a large knife. Deputies say he’s been seen trying to change or manipulate residential security cameras in the area, though there are no reports of him pointing the rifle at anyone.
BCSO says the man hasn’t been identified or arrested, and investigators are still working to determine whether the evidence supports criminal charges. The office notes New Mexico’s open carry law and says the investigation isn’t based on the firearms alone, but on the broader pattern of behavior worrying residents.
Anyone who spots the man should move to a safe location and call 911 rather than approach him. Residents with photos, video or prior sightings can submit tips through BCSO’s Tip411 system.
More info
Report a sighting: Call 911
Submit tips/photos/video: bernco.gov/bernalillo-county-sheriff/tip411
BCSO PIO: 505-468-7378 (24-hr on-call)