Wednesday’s Top Stories

Wednesday’s Five Facts

[1] One dead in shooting involving Albuquerque police – APD is investigating a police shooting near Golf Course and Paseo Del Norte. They said around 4 p.m., they got a call about someone who may have been threatening suicide. When they arrived on scene, police said they made contact with who they think is the wife of the suspect. She told police the two were in some kind of dispute. Police were trying to interview the woman when they made contact with the suspect and believed he had a gun. The barricaded himself, and fired at officers out of a window multiple times. Officers fired back. The suspect was later found dead inside his garage. APD does not know if he shot himself or if officers killed him.

[2] Parts of NM prepare for more flash flooding as monsoon weather moves into the state – As another round of monsoon weather could hit the state, the National Weather Service says the worst of it could start tomorrow. Village of Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford says they are getting ready for another round of flooding. Crawford says they have cleared out culverts and cleared away debris. The National Weather Service says people in Grants, Gallup, Santa Fe and the metro need to be aware of potential flooding.

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[3] More western rain but very warm for now – Heading into Wednesday, we will see similar conditions to Tuesday as the high pressure overhead shifts a bit eastward. This will bring more showers and storms across the state Wednesday afternoon as well. Through the end of the week a more traditional monsoon pattern will set up across the region. This will allow more upper level moisture to move into the state. Scattered showers and storms will be the result of this as we head into Thursday and into the weekend.

[4] NM State Fair to hold auditions for National Anthem performer – The New Mexico State Fair will hold live auditions on July 30 to find either an individual or a small group to perform the National Anthem this year. Virtual auditions are also being accepted until July 28. A panel of judges will evaluate auditions based on the criteria of overall appeal and accuracy of lyrics as well as melody. You can find an application and further rules online.

[5] UNM duck pond to reopen soon – UNM’s duck pond has been under construction since November of last year to upgrade its aging infrastructure. Recently, they replaced the bridge and added a water filtration system. During the construction, the birds, turtles, and fish were relocated to the UNM golf course. Some of the ducks were taken there as well, but most were wild and are expected to return over time. The university will host a soft opening on August 8. The official grand opening will be in early September.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 – Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.

Swift-water rescues and emergency response

Uprooted home magnifies scale of damage

Mayor and officials urge vigilance

Regional context: Wildfire, erosion & recent flooding

Flash Flood New Mexico: Massive Flash flood emergency with a 20 foot flood wave, debris flow and homes floating down the Rio Ruidoso River!

Officials report the Rio Ruidoso River rose 20 feet in 30 minutes.

This is a developing story. pic.twitter.com/3rP5SOdROM — John Cremeans (@JohnCremeansX) July 8, 2025

Community impact and ongoing cleanup

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.

On Tuesday, severe monsoon rains triggered flash floods in Ruidoso, a mountain resort village in south-central New Mexico. Local officials declared a flash flood emergency after water levels rose rapidly, sweeping away an entire house. Three people—a 4-year-old girl, a 7-year-old boy, and an adult man—were found dead downstream, confirmed by village authorities.By evening, the floodwaters began receding, allowing rescue teams to intensify their search. According to Danielle Silva of the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, at least 85 swift-water rescue operations took place. Responders assisted stranded residents in cars and homes, and three more people were hospitalized in stable condition, according to Ruidoso Public Information Officer Kerry Gladden.Local law enforcement, National Guard units, and public works crews coordinated the response, clearing debris from roads and rescuing those trapped. Silva noted the Rio Ruidoso reached a provisional peak of 20.24 feet, inundating the village and stranding vehicles in thick mud.Social media posts, including an Instagram share by the BBC, captured images of a house torn from its foundation and carried by the floodwaters. Danielle Silva commented on the footage, stating: “I’ve seen the video. We don’t know if anyone was in the house.” A local resident, artist Kaitlyn Carpenter, witnessed the house floating past and recognized her friend’s turquoise door. The home was unoccupied, and the family remained safe, she added.Ruidoso Mayor Lynn D. Crawford, speaking on local radio Tuesday night, urged residents to report missing loved ones and noted that horses were found dead near the horse-racing track. He acknowledged that the community expected flooding—but added, “this one hit us harder than what we were expecting.”In response, shelters opened across Ruidoso for residents unable to return home. Public works teams began clearing main roads, while authorities intensified search and rescue operations amid rising debris and blockages.This flood struck Ruidoso less than a week after fatal flash floods in Texas’s Guadalupe River basin, which claimed at least 109 lives. Silva noted that Ruidoso’s recovery was hampered by a recent wildfire, which removed vegetation and increased erosion, worsening debris flow during heavy rain.The burn-scarred terrain allowed water to rapidly funnel into the river.National Weather Service meteorologist Matt DeMaria reported that summer thunderstorms formed over wildfire-scarred terrain, producing unusually heavy runoff. The Rio Ruidoso reportedly exceeded 20 feet, matching or breaking previous records.Businesses like Downshift Brewing Company sheltered about 50 residents, including Carpenter, who described the scene as “pretty terrifying.” Debris, downed trees, and petrol odors filled the air during the cleanup.Public works crews and emergency teams continue to clear roads and waterways. Three shelters remain open to support affected residents as officials monitor water levels and rebuild infrastructure.Ruidoso floods expose wildfire-related vulnerabilities amid monsoon rains, prompting emergency action as communities cope with urgent rescues and damage.

A south-central New Mexico resort town was hit by devastating flash flooding on July 8 as slow-moving storms moved over areas still reeling from burn scars left by wildfires last year.

The flooding left people trapped in homes and prompted multiple water rescues in Ruidoso, a mountain town about 180 miles southeast of Albuquerque, in the Sierra Blanca mountain range, officials said. The town is susceptible to mudslides and increased runoff following two large fires that scorched swathes of land, known as “burn scars,” in 2024.

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque issued the flash flood emergency emergency for Ruidoso at around 3 p.m. local time on July 8. Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, and the neighborhood of Hollywood remained under a flash flood warning until 7:15 p.m., according to the weather service.

“A DANGEROUS situation is unfolding in RUIDOSO! A FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY remains in effect! Seek HIGHER GROUND NOW! Do NOT attempt to drive through the floodwaters. The current will carry away your vehicle!” the weather service wrote on social media.

Speaking on a local radio station, Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford said there were multiple reports of mudslides and gas leaks at homes that had been damaged or swept away by floodwaters. Several bridges in the area were also damaged or underwater, according to the mayor.

There were no immediate confirmed reports of deaths or injuries from the flooding.

Emergency teams pre-positioned by local law enforcement and the National Guard conducted at least 85 swift-water rescues in and around Ruidoso, many of the victims who were stranded in their cars and homes by flooding, Danielle Silva, a spokesperson for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, told Reuters.

Some Ruidoso residents separated during the flooding

NewsChannel3Now, a local station, shared a video of a house being swept in the swollen river. Officials urged those near Rio Ruidoso to move to higher ground immediately and avoid driving through flooded roadways.

Swift water teams were out conducting rescues in Ruidoso, along with fire crews and police, said Kerry Gladden, public information officer for the village of Ruidoso.

“There were water rescues that did happen today, along with people trapped in their homes with water around them,” Gladden told the El Paso Times, part of the USA TODAY Network.

“We have lots of people separated because some were at work or at home,” Gladden said. “We’re providing a conduit so if anyone has been unable to make contact with a family member, we can help facilitate that.”

No deaths had been reported on the night of July 8, according to Crawford, but some people were transported to the hospital. The mayor urged residents to stay in high, elevated and dry areas, adding that several temporary shelters were open.

The village of Ruidoso provided a phone number, 575-637-0398, for families that may have been separated in the flooding. The Ruidoso Emergency Call Center is working to reunite people who may not be able to get in touch.

Ruidoso gage records historic crest at Rio Ruidoso

The Rio Ruidoso at the Hollywood gage ‒ found along the Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs Racetrack border ‒ recorded a historic crest, according to the National Weather Service. The river crested at 20.24 feet on the afternoon of July 8, compared to last year’s crest of 15.86 feet.

The flash flood emergency was put into place as slow-moving storms dumped water over South Fork Fire burn scars, said Mike Hardiman, meteorologist with the weather service in El Paso. Up to 3 inches had fallen in the mountain areas as of 3:30 p.m. on July 8, according to Hardiman.

“It’s not right over Ruidoso but on the burn scars in the mountains, so that could flood into town,” he said.

The village of Ruidoso had warned that burn scars from wildfires would cause extensive and severe flash flooding of streams, creeks, and ditches.

The storms and heavy rain that triggered the flash floods occurred during monsoon season in the United States, which typically begins in mid-to-late June and continues into September. Flash flooding “may develop within minutes, depending on the intensity of the rainfall, the topography, soil conditions, and ground cover,” the weather service added.

Horse racetrack flooded, horses submerged up to their knees

Water flooded the town’s Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, with Quarter horse trainer Marc Jungers saying his barn took on 4 feet of water, submerging horses up to their knees.

“The track (Ruidoso Downs) is flooded. Mother Nature got us today. We just want to make sure the horses are okay and safe,” Jungers told the El Paso Times.

Quarter horse trainer Eric Valenzuela said the track is in poor condition and the jockeys’ room was impacted. While his stables, located on higher ground, were spared major damage, he noted uncertainty about the remainder of the meet.

Videos capture Ruidoso flash flooding

Dramatic video footage on social media and various news outlets showed a house, ripped from its foundations, careening downstream through the brown, muddy waters of the flood-engorged Rio Ruidoso, side-swiping trees as it went.

Eddie Garcia, chief meteorologist with Albuquerque NBC affiliate KOB 4, shared a video on Facebook of a cabin being swept away by floodwaters. “A HOUSE in Ruidoso was washed away in flood waters just 30 min to an hour ago. Flash flood emergency until 5:15. Seek higher ground if you live in the area,” Garcia posted on Facebook.

Ruidoso resident and arborist Jesus Figueroa also shared several videos on Facebook capturing flash flooding rushing through roads and cabins on the afternoon of July 8.

New Mexico’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is aware of the video but couldn’t confirm if anyone was in the house.

Emergency comes after deadly Texas floods kill at least 110

The Ruidoso flash flood emergency comes less than a week after devastating Texas floods left at least 110 people dead and more than 160 people missing.

Search and rescue operations continued on July 8 after heavy rainfall overwhelmed the Guadalupe River on July 4 and floodwaters surged through homes.

Among the victims are at least 27 children and counselors from the Kerr County Christian girls Camp Mystic. At least 30 children died in the county, Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed on July 8 as the search entered its fifth day. Five more Mystic campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for.

Kerrville Police Department Community Services Officer Jonathan Lamb emphasized the chances of finding victims alive are slim, adding that the last “live rescue” was made on July 4.

Natassia Paloma reports for the El Paso Times and Anthony Robledo and Thao Nguyen report for USA TODAY.

Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, Jorge L. Ortiz, and Doyle Rice, USA TODAY; Reuters

Members of the Las Cruces Fire Department’s Swiftwater Rescue Team are deploying to Ruidoso to help with flooding and heavy rain in the area.

According to LCFD, a team of six firefighters trained in water rescue operations is set to leave for Ruidoso on Monday for a seven-day deployment.

“Our deployment emphasizes the department and City’s continued commitment to being a statewide partner,” said Las Cruces Fire Department Chief Michael Daniels. “I’m extremely proud of our team’s commitment to serving the greater New Mexico community.”

Those assisting in the flooding include Battalion Chief and paramedic Jeremiah Lay, Lieutenant and paramedics Christopher Torres and Christopher Johnson, driver and operators Arnold Diaz and Robert Fresquez, and firefighter Benjamin Monsivaiz are among those arriving to help.

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IMPROVE PRETTY DRAMATICALLY. WE’LL SHOW YOU ALL THAT COMING UP. MONSOON SEASON IS ABOUT TWO WEEKS AWAY, AND IT’S A REMINDER OF ARROYO AND DITCH SAFETY. RESCUE CREWS ALWAYS WARN NEVER PLAY IN OR AROUND THEM, ESPECIALLY WHEN STORMS ARE HAPPENING. WHILE IT MIGHT NOT BE IN YOUR AREA, RAIN CAN FILL ARROYOS QUICKLY. RUSHING WATER CAN TRAVEL UP TO 30 MILES AN HOUR. NOW, IF YOU’RE CAUGHT IN FLOWING WATER, FLOAT ON YOUR BACK WITH YOUR FEET DOWNSTREAM. IT’S INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. I MEAN, CONSIDERING HOW FLASH FLOODS THE NUMBER ONE NATURAL DISASTER HERE IN NEW MEXICO, THE RAIN CAN SUDDENLY COME AND PUSH THROUGH ANY OF THE ARROYOS AND DITCHES, AND THEY CAN, YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW, POSSIBLY DROWN AND GET HURT IF THEY ARE PLAYING OR SWIMMING IN THE DITCHES AND ARROYOS. SO DON’T TRY TO SWIM OR STAND UP UNTIL T

Advertisement Recent rainfall prompts arroyo and ditch safety warnings Editorial Standards ⓘ

With monsoon season a few weeks away, New Mexico rescue crews are reminding residents about the dangers of arroyos and ditches during storms. They warn against playing in or around these areas, especially when storms are occurring, as rain can quickly fill arroyos even if it is not raining in your immediate area. Rushing water can travel up to 30 miles per hour, posing significant risks. “It’s extremely dangerous considering how flash floods the number one natural disaster here in New Mexico,” Kayla Ung of the Ditch and Water Safety Task Force said. “The rain can suddenly come and push through any of the arroyos and ditches and they can, you know, possibly drown and get hurt if they are playing or swimming in ditches and arroyos.”Rescue crews advise that if you are caught in flowing water, you should float on your back with your feet downstream. They also caution against trying to swim or stand up until the water slows and advise never to attempt a rescue.