Man Charged After Trying to Stab Neighbor at Apartment Complex

Albuquerque –

Additional information has emerged regarding the SWAT deployment in northeast Albuquerque on Friday night. Officers from the Albuquerque Police Department were dispatched to the Altura Arms Apartments at 3803 Aspen Ave. NE after the victim called around 7:21 PM on May 23, 2025. She reported that a male neighbor, later identified as Bruce Salasar, 62, had just held a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her, and tried to stab her friend before he retreated into his apartment.

Officers were informed by dispatch that Salasar had a history of police contacts and mental health-related calls for service. Per to the criminal complaint, officers approached Salasar’s apartment, where he opened an interior door but kept the security door locked, refusing to come out despite their repeated requests.

During the standoff, officers interviewed the victim, who stated she only knew Salasar as a neighbor and denied any personal relationship or past history with him, though she noted he had frequently harassed her and in the past had come to her door.

The victim recounted that she was walking with a friend and their dog when they encountered Salasar near the community mailbox. An exchange of words occurred between her friend and Salasar. As the victim and her friend walked away, Salasar allegedly made a comment about the dog’s leash. When the victim turned, Salasar appeared to recognize her, calling her a “sick bitch” and following them while yelling vulgar language.

As the victim and her friend neared Altura Park, Salasar continued to verbally abuse the victim. The situation escalated when Salasar allegedly produced a brown hunting knife, approximately six inches long. The victim stated Salasar first attempted to stab her friend from behind, though her friend could not recall this. The criminal complaint alleges Salasar then reportedly pushed the knife against the victim’s abdomen, making contact but causing no injury. The victim began screaming, to which Salasar allegedly responded, “I did 30 years and I’m not afraid to go back.” He then placed the knife against the victim’s throat, making contact with her skin but leaving no mark, before moving it back to her abdomen. The victim was crying as Salasar continued his verbal abuse. During this time, the victim was crying Salasar continued to call her “bitch” and “sick bitch.” Her friend then pulled her away. The victim announced she was calling the police, prompting Salasar to flee back toward the apartment complex.

The criminal complaint goes on to say that officers saw the victim visibly upset and distraught. She confirmed to officers on two separate occasions that she wished to press charges. She expressed profound fear for her life and safety, stating, “I could have died today,” according to the criminal complaint.

Salasar remained inside his residence, communicating with officers but refusing to comply with commands. He reportedly denied the allegations against him. However, per the criminal complaint, he admitted to knowing about an incident involving a knife and a “white man,” presumably the victim’s friend. Officers noted Salasar exhibited slurred speech and incoherence, suggesting possible intoxication.

The investigation established probable cause to charge Salasar with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Resisting, Evading or Obstructing an Officer.

APD’s SWAT team and Crisis Negotiation Teams (CNT) were sent after officers on scene were unable to get Salasar to surrender. It was alleged that Salasar was making threats to harm himself, which is why CNT was sent.

Authorities booked him into MDC on Saturday, May 24th, 2025: https://viaintfacep2.bernco.gov/custodylist/Detail/22372973029922

The justice system always presumes anyone named to be innocent until proven guilty.