New Mexico State Police Saves Man in Albuquerque Arroyo
State police officers in Albuquerque, NM improvised a rescue line with a fire hose to pull a man from a rushing arroyo flood channel.
by Admin
Jul 27, 2026
Rushing water turned an Albuquerque arroyo into an immediate danger zone on June 25, 2026. A man struggled in the swift current. He was trapped in deep water. First responders moved quickly as heavy rain fell across the metro area. Units from AFR and BCFR responded to designated locations along the arroyo.
Emergency Calls Along the Embudo Channel
Albuquerque Fire Rescue received reports of a person swept away at 5:20 p.m. The caller last saw the individual near Carlisle Boulevard and the Embudo Channel. AFR dispatched a 72D-2 flood channel rescue team to the scene. Bernalillo County Fire Rescue units also monitored the channel system.
Heavy rain caused sudden flash flooding across local drainage channels. A citizen flagged down New Mexico State Police officers near I-40 and Carlisle. The bystander directed officers to a man trapped in water west of Carlisle. Albuquerque Police Department officers also arrived to assist with the response.
Improvised Hose Line Saves Trapped Man
Two New Mexico State Police officers reached the flood channel. The officers tied a section of fire hose to a metal railing. Officer Chavez lowered himself directly into the arroyo. He reached the trapped victim in the water. The man was exhausted from fighting the current. Officer Chavez pulled him to safety.
State police released body camera footage of officers rescuing the man. By the time fire crews arrived, the individual was out of the channel. AFR crews assessed the victim after arriving on scene. Albuquerque Ambulance transported the man to University of New Mexico Hospital. AFR Lt. Jason Fejer praised the quick thinking of the state police officers.
"State PD is not equipped for flood channel rescue like we are, and they improvised and actually tied off a section of fire hose and went down into the arroyo to effect a rescue, so my hats off to them," Fejer said.
Crews remained rescue-ready until the arroyo waters receded completely. Reports indicated a woman in grey sweatpants and a dog were also in the water. Rescuers made no contact with a second victim. The report remains unconfirmed. Officials asked anyone with information to call 911 or NMSP at 505-841-9256.
In a statement provided to KOAT, NMSP wrote: "The actions of our officers demonstrate the commitment NMSP has to protecting life and serving the public. Faced with an individual in distress and unable to escape the swift-moving water, the officers quickly assessed the situation, developed a plan, and worked together to safely bring him to safety. We are grateful for the citizen who immediately alerted our officers, allowing them to respond without delay. This incident is a reminder that every call for help is treated with urgency, and our officers stand ready to respond whenever someone is in need."
Mutual Aid and Community Safety Across the Metro
Desert storms create sudden water hazards in flood channels across New Mexico. Arroyos fill rapidly during heavy storms. Rushing water creates extreme dangers for anyone nearby. First responders urge the public to stay clear of flooded drainage ditches. Seamless coordination between police department units and fire crews protects local residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do police officers train for swift water rescue situations?
Police departments prepare officers for flood emergencies through specialized swift water training courses. These comprehensive safety programs teach patrol personnel how to evaluate fast currents, secure heavy rope lines, and deploy emergency flotation gear to pull victims from dangerous water during heavy rainstorms.
2. Why are flooded arroyos dangerous during heavy storms?
Flooded arroyos create immediate physical hazards because dry drainage channels collect rushing storm runoff without advance warning. The powerful moving current carries dangerous debris, knocks adults off their feet, and produces deep undertows that make self-extraction nearly impossible for trapped individuals.
3. What improvised equipment can officers use during water rescues?
Police officers utilize durable vehicle tools like safety straps, rescue lines, and heavy hoses when specialized water equipment is not immediately accessible on scene. These sturdy items allow responding officers to establish secure anchor points and reach struggling individuals safely from high ground.
4. Why do first responders urge people to avoid arroyos in storms?
First responders urge community members to stay far away from arroyos during rainstorms due to the rapid accumulation and intense velocity of storm runoff. Water levels rise rapidly within dry basins, transforming calm channels into deep, churning torrents that endanger citizens and emergency personnel alike.
5. What should bystanders do if someone is trapped in a flood channel?
Citizens who witness an individual trapped in a flooded drainage channel should dial emergency dispatch immediately instead of entering the dangerous water flow. Bystanders can assist first responders by remaining on stable ground, keeping continuous eyes on the victim, and directing arriving emergency officers directly to the spot.
Sources:
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Story and Video Source: NM State Police - Instagram
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Story and Image Source: Albuquerque Fire Rescue - Facebook
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