Rio Rancho Police Search for Suspects in Teen Party Shooting

RIO RANCHO, N.M. — Police in Rio Rancho are still looking for someone who opened fire in a quiet neighborhood last weekend.

This shooting means you may see extra security during one of the biggest high school football games of the season later this week.

Rio Rancho police said officers responded to calls about shots fired around 11:15 p.m. Saturday in the 5500 block of Dona Ana Loop NE.

RRPD officials add that at least one person fired a handgun into the air, and the shots were fired in response to an argument over uninvited guests showing up at the party.

A Rio Rancho police official said it was a house party with juveniles, but it’s still unclear if a juvenile fired the gun.

We spoke to the owner of the house where the party was held and she said it was her daughter’s 17th birthday party that was involved in an accident by a group of teenagers and said her daughter was trying to shoo away the unwanted guests when the teenager started driving past her house , firing a gun. in the air

Neighbors in the area described what the night was like for them, but said they did not want to appear on camera or be identified.

“I thought it was not normal,” said one neighbor. “This is not a party. I knew there was a huge party at that house because you could see the cars out front and the kids having fun. I mean it was a Halloween party and that was to be expected, noise but no gunshots. I was worried about my dogs, who were in my bedroom, and the bullets going through the ceiling, it’s scary, and that’s why we called the police.”

According to RRPD, no arrests have been made, no injuries have been reported, and officers are still investigating the incident, but it has been difficult due to rumors circulating on social media.

One is that the dispute arose out of ongoing issues between Rio Rancho and Cleveland High School students; this friday the schools will play each other in a football match.

So we reached out to the Rio Rancho School District about filming and plans for the upcoming game. A school district representative sent us the following statement:

“Rio Rancho Public Schools has a very dedicated safety and security team that is committed to keeping everyone on our campuses and facilities safe both during school activities and after hours. At the RRHS vs. CHS football game on Friday, Rio Rancho Police officers and RRPS security personnel will be present to monitor behavior and respond to any concerns. The investigation into yesterday’s incident is ongoing, but at this time we have no reason to believe that it was caused by a rivalry between the schools. However, we understand that situations like this can cause heightened feelings of fear and anxiety among our students, staff and parents. We would like to reassure our community that the RRPS Health and Safety Department will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of those who are on any of the District’s facilities while using them.”

Rio Rancho Police are still asking the public for any information or video of this incident.