Tucumcari Police Dept-Tucumcari NM

Tucumcari Police Dept-Tucumcari NM Connect here with Tucumcari PD! Community updates, news, notices and community engagement.

For Public Release (06-09-2026): On June 8, 2026, Officers of the Tucumcari Police Department, along with Deputies of t...
06/09/2026

For Public Release (06-09-2026): On June 8, 2026, Officers of the Tucumcari Police Department, along with Deputies of the Quay County Sheriff's Office, attached to the Region V Drug Task Force, executed a total of six (6) search warrants in the City of Tucumcari.

These search warrants included two (2) residences and four (4) storage units under the care/custody/control of Romolo Mares (64 y.o.a.).

These search warrants were executed as a joint operation between multiple agencies including the Tucumcari Police Department, Quay County Sheriff's Office, New Mexico State Police and support agents of the Region V Drug Task Force.

This operation yielded the following:

1: 12.2 ounces of suspected methamphetamine
2: 32 grams of suspected PURE fentanyl
3: 31 grams of suspected he**in
4: 1131 suspected fentanyl pills
5: $78,795.00 US Currency
6: 2 pistols
7: 1 rifle
8: 1 shotgun
9: 1 additional pistol recovered as a stolen weapon
10: 232 suspected hydrocodone pills

Romolo Mares was taken into custody and charged with the following:

1: Trafficking Controlled Substance (fentanyl)
2: Trafficking Controlled Substance (methamphetamine)
3: Trafficking Controlled Substance (he**in)
4: Trafficking Controlled Substance (hydrocodone)
5: Receiving Stolen Property (firearm)
6: 5 Counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm

"This operation is the culmination of 9 months of work and I'm extremely proud of the results we've had from the agents assigned to the Task Force. I'm also extremely pleased with, and thankful for the coordination between the Tucumcari PD, Quay County Sheriff's Office, New Mexico State Police and Agents of the Task Force. I think its important to recognize that endless hours were put in over the course of the last 9 months to bring this operation to a successful result and theses Officers stayed committed to the mission. In order to maintain the integrity of these ongoing investigations, we cannot always publish the work being done until it's appropriate to do so, however local, county and state law enforcement is always working. This was a great day for law enforcement and the work continues. - L. Emillio (COP)"

At the time of this post, Romolo Mares remains in the custody of the Quay County Detention Center.

05/27/2026

(FOR PUBLIC RELEASE 0526-2026): On Tuesday, May 26-2026, at approximately 6:30 pm, Officers of the Tucumcari Police Department were notified about two missing juvenile males. The children were both under the age of 11. Preliminary reports indicated that the children had wandered from a residence on South Third street in Tucumcari, N.M., and had not been seen since approximately 4:30 pm.

The Tucumcari Police Department, Tucumcari Fire/EMS, Quay County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State Police began to search for the children.

After approximately an hour, law enforcement received information that the children were at a residence in the County. The children were located soon thereafter and safely returned home.

The followup investigation indicated that the children had made contact with a family friend who gave them a ride to his residence to play with their own children after being informed by the children that they had permission to go.

TPD can confirm the children are safe and back with family.

“It’s been said before and it’s worth noting again that when emergency services and the community they serve work together, amazing things can happen. The children being located is the direct result of good people being willing to provide the key information that helped locate these kiddos. The information they provided, going out to the various first responders brought the situation to a quick and successful end. Thank you community for the help and a sincere thank you to the Quay County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police, Tucumcari Fire/EMS, and Quay County Emergency Management for working alongside TPD. Interagency cooperation and community support make a difference! -L. Emillio (COP)

05/25/2026

Today, we pause as a nation to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States of America. Memorial Day is more than a holiday — it is a solemn reminder that freedom has never been free.

We remember those who answered the call with courage, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to something greater than themselves. Their sacrifice secured the liberties we enjoy every day and left a legacy of honor that will never be forgotten.

As members of law enforcement, we understand the meaning of service, duty, and sacrifice. Today, we stand with gratitude beside the families, friends, and fellow service members who carry the memory of our fallen heroes in their hearts every day.

May we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage lives on in the spirit of this nation and in the freedoms we are privileged to protect.

From all of us at the Police Department, we extend our deepest respect and heartfelt gratitude to our fallen military heroes and their families.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

-L. Emillio (COP)

05/07/2026

(PUBLIC RELEASE 050626): Based on preliminary information, the Tucumcari Police Department releases the following information to the public:

On May 6, 2026 at approximately 5:00 pm, Uniformed Officers of the Tucumcari Police Department were in the 400 block of S. 4th in Tucumcari NM, making contact with a male subject who had outstanding arrest warrants.

As Officers made contact with the subject (Thomas Zukevich DOB: xx/xx/2003), he was informed of the arrest warrant and fled from Officers on foot. The Officers pursued Zukevich as he ran towards his residence in the 400 block of S. 4th. Zukevich abruptly entered his residence, releasing his dog from inside the residence. The dog was aggressive and advanced the Officers outside the residence.

Contact was again made with Zukevich in front of his residence and while he actively resisted arrest with one of the Officers, the dog again aggressively advanced. The Officer who was being advanced by the dog, fired a single round from a department issued firearm at the dog. The round did not strike the dog or any other property. The Officer engaged in the confrontation with Zukevich did receive a strike to the face by Zukevich.

The dog was later seized by the Tucumcari Animal Control Division and Zukevich was successfully taken into custody and at the time of this post, is being charged as follows:

1: Quay County Magistrate Warrant: Criminal Trespass
2: Quay County Magistrate Warrant: Disorderly Conduct
3: Resisting/Evading/Obstructing an Officer
4: Battery Upon a Peace Officer.

"I am grateful that neither the Officers nor the suspect were significantly injured. I'm thankful for the assistance to my Officers by the Quay County Sheriff's Office who quickly responded to assist and help secure the safety of all those involved. - L. Emillio (COP)"

This incident, as with all incidents involving use of force, will be reviewed and additional details may be released upon completion of the review.

05/06/2026

(FOR PUBLIC RELEASE-050626)

As many community members are aware, in the early morning hours of May 5, 2026, several members of the community became victims of property damage and theft. Beginning at around 12:36 am on May 5, 2026, the Tucumcari Police Department began receiving reports that several vehicles and residences were damaged and several vehicles had personal property stolen from inside.

Officers of the Tucumcari Police Department began the related investigation. Later in the day, several community members assisted the TPD Investigators in identifying two (2) juvenile males as suspects in these delinquent acts. Identification was made possible by reviewing video provided by key members of the community and witness accounts.

As the investigation continued and identification was made of these juveniles, TPD Officers made contact with them and conducted investigative interviews that yielded admissions allowing officers to charge both male juveniles with the related delinquent acts.

Both juveniles are 15 years of age and each have been charged with the following:

A: 3 Counts of Burglary (automobile)
B: 1 Count conspiracy to commit Burglary (automobile)
C: 1 Count attempted Burglary (automobile)
D: 1 Count of Criminal Damage to Property
E: 3 Counts of Larceny ($250 or less)

Tucumcari Police Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for each juvenile for the above referenced delinquent acts through the Tenth Judicial Children's Court Division.

On the morning of May 6, 2026, after obtaining the arrest warrants, Tucumcari Police Investigators took custody of the juveniles and served the arrest warrants. At the time of this post, both juveniles are in the custody of the Tucumcari Police Department.

The Tucumcari Police Department thanks the community and specifically those who worked with Investigators to utilize video and witness accounts to identify and help resolve this situation within 36 hours.

"Every community is stronger and better when law enforcement and the community work together for the greater good. Thank you to all who chose to help and take active steps to assist and be vigilant. -L. Emillio (COP)"

SOME THINGS TO KNOW:

In New Mexico, offenses by juveniles are referred to as delinquent acts.

In the Tenth Judicial District, the Children's Court Division is a "branch" of the Tenth Judicial District Court.

All juvenile cases are initially referred to the Juvenile Probation Office, who determines whether the juvenile will be incarcerated or released. The JPO's Office, in normal cases, also decides whether the case will proceed through the Court involving the District Attorney's Office or whether the matter will be handled "informally."

The Tucumcari Police Department does not identify any juvenile offenders by name.

04/28/2026

*PUBLIC RELEASE 04/28/2026*: On April 28, 2026, Tucumcari Police Department Officers responded to two (2) small fires within the City limits that did not result in property damage, other than vegetation.

TPD Officers began the investigation which yielded the recovery of surveillance video near 2nd/Tucumcari Blvd relating to one of those fires. The video review was conducted and Justin Belille (DOB **/**/1989) was identified as the individual who started at least one of the fires.

TPD Officers made contact with Belille at which time Belille took responsibility for the fire. Belille was detained by Officers of the Tucumcari Police Department and an arrest warrant for arson was obtained and served upon Belille who remains in custody at the time of this posting.

"The Tucumcari Police Department is taking fire related calls very seriously. Given the current state of our climate, a fire ban is in place and will be strictly enforced. We want to thank the individuals who brought the video to the attention of Investigators and for the witnesses who cooperated with law enforcement to bring these latest incidents to a close. Please understand that any open fires pose a significant risk to other residents and property in the area. We cannot afford to lose structures due to violations of the fire ban and risk seeing additional families displaced as a result. -L. Emillio (Chief of Police-Tucumcari Police Department)"

The Tucumcari Police Department continues to ask the community to remain vigilant for signs of fire and continue to report those situations to Central Dispatch at 575-461-2280 or 911 (If situation is an emergency).

04/22/2026

Public Service Announcement: Our area is experiencing intermittent service disruptions with cell phones and internet connectivity. These disruptions may affect your ability to reach Central Dispatch on the NON-emergency lines. E911 is stable, so if you need to request Police/Fire/EMS and you cannot make telephonic contact with Central Dispatch on the non-emergency line, please utilize 911.

At the time of this posting, all lines are operational however in case of another disruption, we wanted to ensure everyone knew how to access emergency services.

-L. Emillio (COP)
Tucumcari Police Department

04/21/2026

Hello Everyone: Just a quick message to let you know that a cell phone was left behind at the baseball fields. It’s been taken to the Police Department. If you or someone you know is missing their phone, drop by the PD. You will have to identify it of course but we don’t want you to go without your device.

Thanks!!

02/28/2026

Come on down to the Convention Center to celebrate DR SEUSS’S birthday! We got your favorite characters, games and family friendly exhibits all in one room! This is a free community event and we are having a blast! We promise you wont have to try any green eggs and ham!!!!!!

02/24/2026

Good morning community: by now most of you are becoming aware that authorities in the Ft Sumner area are looking for a couple who shot at an NMSP Officer during a traffic stop.

Earlier a message went out informing residents to try to stay inside, lock doors, and report suspicious activity.

Sheriff Garcia has asked us to let you know that the focus for search of these individuals is in the House NM area. There is no direct indication these fugitives have made it to Tucumcari.

For the sake of diligence and preparedness, Tucumcari should remain vigilant and of course report anything suspicious to 911. Security in the City may be preliminarily heightened for the sake of vigilance but again, search efforts are still primarily focused in and around the House NM area.

Please monitor QCSO and NMSP communications for updates.

Address

206 E Center
Tucumcari, NM
88401

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Tucumcari Police Dept-Tucumcari NM posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category