An increased police presence was already planned for the football game between Cleveland and Rio Rancho high schools on Friday evening.

The stadium was locked down at the end of the game, as Rio Rancho police confirmed it was as officers investigated more possible threats. That followed two other major fears – and one tragic loss.

“I actually blame the parents,” said a Rio Rancho woman who asked not to be named.

This woman takes her grandchildren to the park instead of letting them play in the front yard.
She said it doesn’t feel safe anymore.

After a series of threats and violence in Rio Rancho, she said change must start at home.

“You know, the police could (only) do so much,” she said. “You know, courts can do so much. But ultimately it comes from within. What’s happening at home.”

Earlier this week, police found 15-year-old Adrian Maestas shot near the intersection of Inca and 2nd streets in southeast Rio Rancho.

His family said he was on life support but died days later.

“You know the family, you know they are dealing with the death of this 15-year-old,” she said. “God, he still had a life to live.”

Our KOB 4 cameras captured this SWAT situation at a home near that scene on Friday, but police have not confirmed if it is related. Officers have made no arrests, leaving the community on edge.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Rio Rancho resident Wes Edlang. “I can’t really believe this is happening around here, and I’ve never heard of it, but until you just told me, it’s really shocking to hear.”

The shooting occurred a week after a house party in Rio Rancho was broken up by gunfire. Police are still looking for the person who fired the shots that evening.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Raul Torrez announced a proposal for stricter penalties for making shooting threats in schools.

“Unfortunately, in the state of New Mexico, we are currently treating threats against our schools as crimes, and I don’t think that is consistent with where we are as a community,” he said.

He wants to turn this crime into a misdemeanor. And local leaders agreed.

“It’s causing chaos in the community,” said Rio Rancho Police Chief Stewart Steele. “It’s causing chaos within the schools and, quite frankly, chaos for our teachers.”

That kind of chaos was on full display Friday evening.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Rio Rancho School District said a football player received Snapchat messages that included a photo of a gun and the Cleveland High School field. But there was no immediate threat.

Police held players until the parking lot was clear and released athletes ten at a time.

Just one more potential case of violence for this community to deal with. Police are still appealing for information on all three incidents. If you know anything, call Rio Rancho police.