ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Bernalillo County sheriff is voicing outrage over crime caused by “unhoused individuals.” Lucas Pedraza-Abrams, 37, was arrested on Sunday after the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office said he threatened staff and damaged property at the Marriott in Uptown at least three times this summer.
Prosecutors are seeking pretrial detention in his case. In a statement Monday morning, Sheriff John Allen said in a news release:
Our community is frustrated, and we hear it every single day. I receive more calls about violent or criminal behavior from unhoused individuals than any other issue. Since taking office, I have committed resources to diversion programs, housing support, treatment, and the creation of our Behavioral Health Unit. We have offered help time and time again. The truth is, not everyone wants help. Many refuse services, refuse accountability, and continue to commit crimes that hurt our community.
We have been empathetic. We have been compassionate. But enough is enough. When individuals are violent, when they steal, when they use drugs openly, when they bring their families into this lifestyle and continue to victimize the contributing members of this community, the time for accountability is now. My duty as Sheriff is to arrest those who commit crimes and to protect the people of Bernalillo County. That is exactly what we will continue to do.
In the news release, the department said the sheriff also supported diversion and treatment for those who want them but that crime and violence would not be acceptable.
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