City Settles Former APD Chief Medina’s Crash, Close to a Million Dollar Payout to Victim

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —

The law firm representing Todd Perchert, who suffered life-altering injuries when then-Police Chief Harold Medina ran a red light and crashed into his vehicle, announced they reached a $950,000 settlement with the city of Albuquerque in late September of 2026.

Perchert was driving his 1966 Ford Mustang east bound on Central Ave SE through a green light back on February 17, 2024. By sheer chance, Chief Medina was traveling with his wife, fleeing away from the sounds of gunfire southbound on a side street. Chief Medina and his wife were in an Albuquerque Police Department issued pickup truck when they slammed into the driver’s side of Perchert’s classic Mustang. Then Police Chief Medina, said at the time that he was in the area patrolling with his wife before he was to attend a press conference with the Mayor and other city officials. Chief Medina and Mayor Tim Keller were scheduled to hold a joint news conference to address the city’s ongoing anti-crime efforts

The devastating crash caught on video left Perchert hospitalized for weeks and in critical condition with eight broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a broken collarbone and shoulder blade, and other serious injuries.

“No amount of money can take away what happened to Mr. Perchert or undo the physical and emotional toll this crash has taken on him and his family,” said James Tawney, Perchert’s attorney and partner at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C.

We reached out to the Albuquerque Police Department on the settlement stemming from the crash and APD Director of Gilbert Gallegos issued this statement.

“Fortunately, nobody lost their life as a result of the accident or the shooting that led to the crash.“

A Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office investigation found Medina drove carelessly and recommended a careless driving charge. The New Mexico Department of Justice declined to prosecute, citing evidence that Medina acted under duress following the nearby gunfire.

“Todd did nothing wrong that morning. He was an innocent motorist who had the right of way. He suffered devastating injuries because of the actions of someone entrusted with protecting the public. No one should be above accountability, regardless of their position. While nothing can change what happened that day, we are pleased with this resolution and hope it gives Todd and his family some closure,” said Tawney, Perchert’s Attorney.

The Albuquerque Police Department gave then-Chief Medina a verbal reprimand for his actions during the crash.  Albuquerque Police Department’s Internal Affairs investigation found that Chief Medina violated two department policies during the incident: failing to safely operate his vehicle and not fully activating his On-Body Recording Device (OBRD) . Consequently, he received two letters of reprimand.

According to his attorneys, Perchert was on his way to meet members of the Rio Grande Mustang Club. He had owned the Mustang for 12 years. The car had previously belonged to his uncle and held sentimental value because of its connection to both his uncle and late father. Following the crash, Perchert underwent seven hours of surgery to repair his shattered ribs with titanium plates. He also suffered facial injuries and required a chest tube for his collapsed lung.

They went on to say, the injuries and prolonged recovery disrupted nearly every aspect of his life. Before the crash, Perchert and his wife, Danielle, enjoyed hiking, biking, traveling and other outdoor activities. According to his attorney’s, his injuries left him in significant pain and unable to participate in many of those activities. The couple also canceled a long-planned trip celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary. The collision and Medina’s actions drew widespread scrutiny, including questions about his decision to enter the intersection without emergency lights or warnings.

Following the crash, the department replaced Medina’s totaled truck by purchasing a nearly $90,000 Ford Expedition Timberline Edition SUV for Medina. The brand new SUV was outfitted with more than $20,000 in additional comfort and luxury features. Those upgrades included an $18,000 snazzy looking Timberline trim package, a $1,675 power panoramic sunroof for viewing the beautiful NM skies, and nearly $4,000 for an upgraded four-wheel drive system for our rough roads throughout the city, the SUV was also outfitted with other police related extras.

Medina retired from the Albuquerque Police Department in December 2025 with a “hero” like police escort from APD’s Main Police Station to his home in Corrales, New Mexico. It included a retirement video posted to APD’s social media. He was replaced by Chief Cecily Barker after an alleged nationwide search.