I-40 Traffic Stop Claims Life of BCSO Sergeant Schlattman

Albuquerque –

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 24, shortly after 12:30 AM, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference to provide additional details about the incident on Interstate 40 near Carnuel and to formally identify the deputy killed in the line of duty.

An emotional Sheriff John Allen announced that Sergeant Michael Schlattman died after sustaining injuries during a traffic stop on westbound Interstate 40 near Carnuel earlier on Monday, February 23 around 5:00 PM.

Sergeant Schlattman joined the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office on April 16, 2012, and the agency promoted him to Sergeant on July 13, 2024. Throughout his career, he served the residents of Bernalillo County in multiple assignments, including roles as a detective in Special Investigations and Auto Theft, and as a task force officer with the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). At the time of his death, he held the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to the East Mountains area, where he dedicated his service to the community he proudly protected.

On the evening of February 23, 2026, Sergeant Schlattman radioed that he was conducting a traffic stop. While he stood outside his vehicle, a semi-truck struck the rear of his department-issued unit and pinned him beneath it. He died at the scene from his injuries.

Sergeant Schlattman was regarded as the kind of leader deputies respected and families trusted. Colleagues described him as engaged, hands-on, and unwavering in his support of those around him. Rather than remaining behind a desk, he was regularly in the field responding to calls, supporting his deputies, and taking a proactive approach to his work. Those who served alongside him said he brought a steady presence and calm leadership that elevated the performance of his entire team.

“This is every agency’s worst nightmare, and tonight it is ours,” said Sheriff John Allen. “Sergeant Schlattman was a servant leader and a protector in the truest sense. He was the kind of supervisor who never asked a deputy to do something he would not do himself. Our hearts are broken, and we are asking our community to carry this family, and this agency, in your prayers.”

Sheriff John Allen noted during the press conference that this has been an extraordinarily difficult week for the East Mountain community, BCSO, Bernalillo County Fire Rescue, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, and dispatchers. On February 17, 2026, deputies responded to a domestic violence call on NM 333, where a man fatally shot his 4-year-old son and critically injured his 1-year-old son and their mother during an early-morning incident. Just a week later, BCSO deputies and fire crews were called to the tragic scene where Sergeant Schlattman was killed during a traffic stop on I-40, leaving the community and the agency grieving.

During the press conference, Sheriff Allen explained that the crash investigation is being led by the Rio Rancho Police Department (RRPD) with the assistance of the New Mexico State Police (NMSP). He emphasized that another agency is serving as the lead to ensure transparency and avoid any potential bias. Sheriff Allen encouraged anyone in the community who has dashcam or other video footage of the crash, or who witnessed the incident, to contact BCSO, NMSP, or RRPD so the information can be included in the investigation.

Sheriff Allen also took a moment to thank members of the public that stopped to call for help or render aid to Sergeant Schlattman.

BCSO is asking for the community’s support and understanding in the days ahead. In a social media post, officials from BCSO encouraged the public to keep Sergeant Schlattman’s family, friends, and colleagues in their thoughts and prayers. They also urged patience and respect as investigators continue their work and Sergeant Schlattman’s loved ones are given space to grieve.

BCSO said that information regarding memorial services for Sergeant Schlattman will be shared once it becomes available.