Albuquerque –
Albuquerque police arrested two women Tuesday night following a SWAT standoff at a southwest Albuquerque home, bringing an end to a months-long investigation connected to a child’s suspected fentanyl exposure last month.
Officers responded to the residence at 129 53rd Street NW around 11:30 AM on November 11, 2025, after receiving information that a woman living there had active felony warrants. The situation escalated into a standoff lasting several hours. At approximately 5:18 PM, tactical officers entered the home and took Sabrina Kathryn Ireland and Gabriela Valentina Crespin into custody without further incident.
Background of the Child Abuse Investigation
Court records show that Sabrina Ireland was charged on October 3, 2025, with Abuse of a Child (Does Not Result in Death or Great Bodily Harm) and Trafficking Controlled Substances, following an incident that began at a northwest Albuquerque urgent care.
According to a criminal complaint, on October 1, 2025, medical staff reported that a 2-year-old girl had been brought in after her mother, Ireland, found her playing with blue pills later suspected to be fentanyl. Toxicology tests showed the child tested positive for methamphetamine, and staff noted healing bruises on her body and other marks on the toddler’s legs. The complaint indicates that the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) interviewed Ireland, and APD’s Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU) was contacted to initiate an investigation.
Investigators said Ireland told officers she had fallen asleep at a friend’s home and awoke to find her daughter with a pill in her mouth and a bag containing more pills. According to the criminal complaint, after searching online, Ireland learned the pills resembled fentanyl and she took the child to a medical facility for treatment.
Later that evening, detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence. During the search, officers found six blue pills believed to be fentanyl, burnt foil, and drug paraphernalia throughout the home. In a downstairs bedroom, they located a “Hello Kitty” backpack containing suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, electronic scales, small baggies, and prescription bottles of naloxone. Detectives determined there was probable cause to arrest Ireland in connection with the incident.
The complaint does not say what happened to the 2-year-old girl.
The November 11 SWAT Standoff and Arrest
When officers arrived at the residence located at 129 53rd St NW Apt #A on November 11 after receiving a tip, they conducted a records check through police and court databases. They confirmed that Sabrina Ireland had multiple felony warrants, including one from the United States Marshals Service (USMS) for a weapons offense and a local warrant for Child Abuse (No Death or GBH), trafficking controlled substances, and Probation Violation – Felony.
Due to the nature of the warrants and Ireland’s criminal history, tactical units and crisis negotiators were deployed. Officers eventually found Ireland hiding in the attic, where they also discovered Gabriela Crespin attempting to conceal herself.
The complaint states that Crespin initially provided a false date of birth and claimed to be a minor, in an effort to avoid identification. She later admitted she knew officers were outside and had heard public announcements ordering them to surrender but refused to come out because of her outstanding warrants.
Both women were taken into custody without injury.
Crespin was booked on two felony warrants, one misdemeanor warrant, and new charges of harboring or aiding a felon, concealing identification, and resisting arrest, according to authorities. There is a hold on Crespin in the court system, so she should not be released until a hearing.
Ireland was booked on outstanding local warrants for Child Abuse (No Death or GBH), Probation Violation – Felony, Trafficking controlled substances. There is a hold on Ireland in the court system, so she should not be released until a hearing.
Ireland’s Criminal History
Court records show Sabrina Ireland has a criminal history dating back to 2011. Many initially were for traffic related offenses. In March 2017, she was charged with Armed Robbery, Receiving or Transferring Stolen Motor Vehicles (1st Offense) and Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery. Per the plea, she only pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery. Since 2017, she has been charged with Forgery – Issue or Transfer ($2,500 or Less) (No Contest), Receiving or Transferring Stolen Motor Vehicle (Dismissed), Abuse of a Child (Does Not Result in Death or Great Bodily Harm) (pending) and Trafficking Controlled Substances (pending).
On or around July 7, 2021, Ireland was charged by the US Attorney’s Office with Convicted Felon in Possession of a firearm and ammunition. On August 18, 2022, she took a plea deal in connection with this charge. Today, we asked the US Attorney’s Office if the recent state charges violated her federal plea agreement. We were told that “If she (Ireland) is still under supervise release and if this incident violates it, a petition will be filed in the 2021 case.” However, at the time of our request, nothing had been filed.
Crespin’s Criminal History
Court documents show Gabriela Crespin has a lengthy criminal record. She was charged in May 2023 with Receiving or Transferring Stolen Motor Vehicles (1st Offense) and faced multiple probation violations in early 2025. Her probation was officially revoked in June 2025, and she was ordered held without bond.
Crespin was also arrested in May 2025 in Sandoval County for DWI (1st Offense) and Careless Driving, with a bench warrant later issued in July. In September 2025, she was charged with Resisting, Evading, or Obstructing an Officer, and another warrant was issued later that month.
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