Gamerco teen beaten in his home, hospitalized

Independent Staff

GALLUP — A Gamerco teen sustained two gashes to his head on Thursday afternoon after a group of men beat him inside his residence.

Brian Leonard, 17, of the 800 block of Draco Street, was transported to Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital for treatment of a head wound.

According to reports, Leonard was alone at the residence when three men kicked in the front door and "jumped him."

Joseph Trujillo, a friend of Leonard's, told police Leonard called him prior to the incident and said "They are coming to get me." Trujillo reportedly heard yelling in the background and then the conversation was abruptly disonnected.

Trujillo arrived at Leonard's residence and saw three men inside, who all wore tank tops and appeared intoxicated.

According to a police report, police were subsequently dispatched to public health services in reference to two men who were receiving treatment for stab wounds. As of press time, no suspects had been arrested in connection with the assault.

Leonard's injuries are not considered life threatening.


Superblitz announced
In other news, Gallup police will be conducting DWI checkpoints this weekend as part of the federally funded "Superblitz" program.

The program that is intended to locate drunken drivers began on Dec. 23 and will end on Jan. 8.

Investigator Erin Toadlena-Pablo, a spokeswoman for the Gallup Police Department, said residents are encouraged to report suspected drunken drivers to authorities by calling 1-877-DWI-HALT.