Man Taken Into Custody After SWAT Incident Near UNM North Campus

Albuquerque –

On May 27th, 2026, the Albuquerque Police Department was called to the 1300 block of Vassar Dr. NE in reference to a domestic disturbance. When officers arrived, a woman exited the house and stated that a man was inside and refusing to come out. According to the criminal complaint, the woman had marks around her neck, as well as cuts and bruising on her face.

This man was identified as Tomas Sanchez, and he shut the door on officers when they attempted to speak with him. APD officers surrounded the house and used public address announcements to instruct Sanchez to peacefully exit the residence.

This situation continued for most of the afternoon before the Albuquerque Police SWAT team was dispatched to the scene. A short time later, Sanchez surrendered peacefully to officers and was taken into custody.

Much of the afternoon, drivers and pedestrian traffic were diverted from the area, causing a nightmare for people trying to get back to their homes.

Sanchez was charged with aggravated battery strangulation against a household member and resisting and evading officers.

He had warrants for possession of a controlled substance, tampering with evidence, resisting evading an officer, and drug charges.

In 2022, Sanchez was charged in an incident where he fought Portales Police and was taken into custody. The case was dismissed, and the reason for the dismissal is not publicly available.