Raton Police Department

05/29/2026

City of Raton Chip Seal PSA
May 28, 2026

Chip Sealing Operations have been scheduled by American Road Maintenance the week of May 28-30, 2026. Friday’s operations will begin on Sagebrush and Meadow Lane before traveling to Calle de Luna, Call Del Sol. Los Arboles, El Camino and Calle del Sol. What isn’t completed on Friday will be continued on Saturday. Traffic Control setup and sweeping operations typically begin around 7:00 AM. Residents are asked to remove any vehicles or trailers from the roadway during business hours.

Street Closures will generally take place for four to five blocks at a time for a period of about 1 hour. The public is asked to use alternate routes when possible and to expect delays. Travelers should expect loose aggregate on these streets. Bicycle and motorcycle riders should use an abundance of caution in these areas. If you have any questions, please contact City Hall at 575-445-9451.

05/18/2026

RATON POLICE DEPARTMENT
May 18, 2026

ARRESTS

Mario Zacarias Oviedo (39-Raton) DWI 2nd offense, Leaving the scene of an accident, Reckless driving, no driver license

Jonathan Wayne Reeves (45-Raton) Battery on household member

Frank Rodriguez (37-Raton) Bench warrant failure to appear on charges dog running at large

TRAFFIC CITATIONS

Elijah Kenney (Raton) Speeding 60 in a 30 zone

April Martinez (Raton) No proof of insurance

Mario Z. Oviedo (Raton) Operator struck several road closure signs in construction zone

Mario Z. Oviedo (Raton) Not licensed operator

Mario Z. Oviedo (Raton) failed to stop

CALLS FOR SERVICE (May 14, 15, 16 & 17)

Accident – 4
Assist other agency -1
Alt/ Bolo – 1
Animal call – 5
Assault / battery – 3
Burglary- breaking & entering - 3
Business alarm – 1
Cellular / 911 call – 11
Check property – 1
Check subject – 2
Check vehicle -2
Disabled unattended vehicle - 1

CONTINUED …

Forgery- fraud/ embezzlement – 1
Frequent patrol – 1
Information – 5
Larceny – 1
Miscellaneous - 7
Noise disturbance – 1
Public assist - 3
Remove subject – 1
Residential alarm – 1
Speeding/ reckless driver – 1
Suspicious activity - 1
Suspicious subject - 1
Suspicious vehicle – 1
Threats/ harassment – 4
Traffic stop - 10
Verbal confrontation – 3
Welfare check – 3

05/12/2026

To the Officers of the Raton Police Department,

During National Police Week, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and respect for each of you. Your tireless dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service do not go unnoticed. Every day, and every night, you place the safety and well-being of our community above your own, answering the call with courage, integrity, and compassion.

Serving this community is not an easy task. It requires resilience in the face of adversity, sound judgment under pressure, and a genuine commitment to protecting others. You exemplify these qualities in your daily work and represent this department with honor. Raton is a safer, stronger community because of your unwavering service, and I am proud to serve alongside you.

Thank you for the sacrifices you and your families make, and for the professionalism you bring to this noble profession. Your work matters, and it makes a difference.

To law enforcement officers everywhere,

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to all law enforcement professionals across our state and nation. Your dedication to public safety, your willingness to stand in harm’s way, and your commitment to justice reflect the very best of public service. During National Police Week, we honor your service, remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and thank you for your continued commitment to the communities you serve.

Stay safe, and thank you for all that you do.

Respectfully,
John D. Garcia
Chief of Police

04/28/2026

Now Hiring: Telecommunicators
Position Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Shift Work (days, nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned)

Job Summary: We are seeking dedicated and dependable Telecommunicators to join our team. Telecommunicators play a critical role by receiving and processing emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching appropriate public safety resources, and providing vital information and support during high-stress situations.

Key Responsibilities:
• Receive, prioritize, and document emergency and non-emergency calls
• Dispatch law enforcement, fire, medical, and other emergency services
• Maintain accurate records and logs using computer-aided dispatch systems
• Communicate clearly and professionally with callers, responders, and coworkers
• Remain calm and focused in stressful and time-sensitive situations
Schedule
This position requires shift work, including rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications:
• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to type accurately and use multiple computer systems
• Strong communication, multitasking, and decision-making skills
• Ability to pass background check, drug screening, and required training

Compensation & Benefits:
Competitive salary with immediate pay increase upon certification
Full benefits package, including:
o Medical, dental, and vision insurance
o Paid holidays and paid leave
o Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution

How to Apply:
Interested candidates must submit an application.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity in the workplace.

Raton Police Department. Police Department Raton NM. Police dept Raton NM

04/21/2026

On behalf of RCD, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported us with such generous contributions during Telecommunications Week 2026.

Thank you to the City of Raton for our yearly proclamation. Colfax County Manager Ms. Navarette and staff for providing two baskets full of goodies and energy drinks to keep us going. A special thank you to Chief Garcia and Maria for the snacks, pens, and miscellaneous items—your thoughtfulness did not go unnoticed.

We are also very appreciative of the Raton Fire Department's yearly contribution of a beautiful fruit basket and snacks.

Additionally, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Pino Brown’s Printing and Embroidery for stepping in and coming through for me when my other vendor cancelled at the last minute. Your reliability, amazing pricing and support truly made a difference.

RCD sincerely thanks each and every one of you for your generosity, support, and contribution. You all are greatly appreciated.

Apryll Lopez
PSAP Manager/Director

04/14/2026

To the Raton Central Dispatch Center Team,

On behalf of the Raton Police Department and the surrounding agencies, I want to extend my sincere appreciation and congratulations to each of you during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

Your work is often unseen, yet it is absolutely vital. Day in and day out, you serve as the lifeline between our community and the help they need most, calmly answering calls, coordinating responses, and providing reassurance during moments of crisis. Your professionalism, dedication, and tireless commitment play a critical role in keeping our city and county safe.

The long hours, difficult calls, and constant pressure you manage do not go unnoticed. You are the first, first responders, and our public safety system could not function without your skill, compassion, and teamwork.

Thank you for everything you do for our community. We are grateful for your service and proud of the exceptional work you perform every day.

With respect and appreciation,

John D. Garcia
Chief of Police
Raton Police Department

03/11/2026

RATON POLICE DEPARTMENT
March 11, 2026

ARRESTS

Robert A Trujillo (43-Raton) Arrest Warrant Shoplifting (over $500 not more than $2500.00) Shoplifting (Over $250 but not more than $500)

Brian Valente (45-Questa) Bench Warrant DWI driving while under the influence or liquor and/ or drugs

CALLS FOR SERVICE (March 10)

Animal call – 1
Alt/ Bolo – 2
Fight – 1
Frequent patrols – 3
Information - 1
Larceny – 1
Lost & found – 1
NCIC Hit – 1
Public assist – 1
Remove subject – 1
Traffic Stop – 1
Welfare check - 2

03/10/2026

A huge thank you to Anastasia and Selena from the RHS After School Program for the flowers and the thoughtful card you delivered to the Raton Police Department.

Your kindness means more than you know, and gestures like yours remind our officers why they love serving this community.

We truly appreciate your support!

— Raton Police Department

03/05/2026

RATON POLICE DEPARTMENT
March 5, 2026

ARRESTS

Joseph Gallegos (26-Raton) Bench warrant probation violation on charges expired registration, Improper equipment-operating vehicle without required headlamps, possession of stolen vehicles

Francisco Villa (43-Raton) Failure to comply with conditions of probation criminal damage to property of household members

NON-TRAFFIC VIOLATION

Kelly Sanchez (Raton) Battery

CALLS FOR SERVICE (March 3 & 4)

Animal call – 2
Assist other agencies - 1
Assault Battery- 1
Burglary- breaking & entering – 2
Business alarm - 1
Check subject – 1
Civil standby - 1
Drug activity – 1
Forgery fraud-embezzlement – 1
Frequent patrol – 1
Hang up/ misdial / 911 call - 2
Information – 3
Miscellaneous – 3
Officer Issuing citations – 2
Public assist – 1
Remove subject – 1
Shoplifter - 1
Traffic stop – 7
Threats/ Harassment - 2
Unknown Disturbance – 3
Welfare Check – 1

02/26/2026

Public Service Announcement: Phone Scam Alert

The Raton Police Department is urging residents to remain vigilant following a sophisticated scam attempt reported today by a local resident.

A citizen initially received a message claiming their Amazon account had been suspended due to possible identity theft. Shortly afterward, they began receiving calls from individuals fraudulently claiming to be from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The scammers possessed alarming amounts of personal information, including the victim’s Social Security number and a list of previous Amazon orders. Using this information, they falsely claimed the victim had outstanding debts totaling over $300,000 linked to fraudulent accounts.

The victim was then provided with phone numbers supposedly belonging to official government agencies and an attorney in Minnesota. The scammers instructed the victim to:

Go to their bank
Use a false name
Set up a large money transfer involving thousands of dollars

The victim reported that the callers seemed extremely credible, and the contact information they were given appeared legitimate at first glance.

The situation escalated when the victim received another call from someone impersonating Raton Police Chief John Garcia.

Fortunately, the victim recognized the voice not to be that of the chief and contacted their bank before completing any transfer.

InBank staff also acted quickly, recognizing the suspicious nature of the transaction and halting the transfer before any funds were lost.

The scammer continued to call and send text messages to the victim until their number was blocked.

Important Safety Reminders

Never provide personal information—such as your Social Security number, bank account information, or login credentials—to anyone you do not personally know or trust.

Government agencies, banks, and major companies do not conduct business in this manner. They will never ask you to:

Use a fake name
Transfer money to “protect” your account
Confirm personal information over unsolicited phone calls

Scammers often have detailed personal data and may use official-sounding titles, phone numbers, or documents to appear legitimate.
If something feels off, hang up and call the organization directly using a verified number.
If you suspect fraud, contact your bank immediately and notify local law enforcement.

Please stay alert and share this information with friends, family, and neighbors—especially those who may be more vulnerable to these types of scams. These criminals do their homework, and their goal is to take as much money as possible from unsuspecting victims.