Saturday, November 15, 2008

Rocks reportedly thrown at cars on I-25

Clara Garcia News-Bulletin Staff Writer; cgarcia@news-bulletin.com

Belen Four Belen teenagers are facing possible charges of aggravated assault and criminal damage to property for allegedly throwing rocks at vehicles going underneath a Belen overpass.

Belen Police Detective Sgt. Joe Portio said officers were dispatched to the southern Belen I-25 exit about a month ago after a motorist reported that several boys were throwing rocks from the overpass.

"The man said that a rock actually went into the (driver's side) window and hit his arm," Portio said. "Officers were dispatched out there and even Detective (Victor) Castillo and myself went out there, and we couldn't make any contact with any kids."

Last week, officers received another call about rocks hitting vehicles, one of which was a semi truck. The detective said the driver of the semi told officers he almost lost control of the vehicle, but was able to avoid hitting other cars.

Portio, Castillo and other officers including Officer Pat Gallegos and Lt. Robert Miller canvassed the area looking for the kids allegedly involved in throwing the rocks. Castillo was able to talk to someone in the area who told him about several teenagers who could have been involved.

"We found the home and where the kids were at," Portio said. "Talking to the kids, they actually confessed to the rock throwing. They said they were bored. We made contact with all the parents, and the kids were released into their custody."

Portio said the cases have been forwarded to the Juvenile Probation Office, which will make the decision whether to charge the boys, who range in age from 13 to 15.

The detective said the boys could be facing multiple charges because about five vehicles were damaged during the two incidents. No one was hurt.

"The callers that called were extremely excited and not just upset — it was a nerve-racking experience for them," Portio said. "We're extremely fortunate that no one got seriously hurt or even killed."

Portio said that, since officers spoke with the teenagers, there have been no further incidents.

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