Officials address recent crime, rumors

ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE) - A recent spike in crime has the rumor mill running rampant in Roswell. So much so, city officials, school officials and police held a press conference Monday afternoon to address the rumors.

Among the rumors, is word of a shooting plot at a local high school Monday. Roswell Police said they quickly determined the rumor regarding a possible shootout at Roswell High started on Facebook. Lately, police said several false reports have been making the rounds.

"I don't know why that is, if they're just jumping on last weeks bandwagon or with Connecticut, or if they know its because finals are going on, we just don't know that yet," said Deputy Chief Brad McFadin, of the Roswell Police Department.

Police said public concern has been sparked by a recent spike in crime, including the murder of Saul Sanchez last week, when he walked in on a burglary at a friend's house in Roswell.

Days later, 19-year-old Xavier Herrera was gunned down as he was riding his bike near Cherry and Orchard in Roswell. Before that, police have investigated a spike in home break-in reports .

"The Roswell Police Department has been inundated with phone calls from concerned citizens regarding recent incidents," said Roswell Mayor Del Jurney, at Monday's press conference.

Among the rumors was that RHS was on lockdown Monday, and that a suspect was in custody. All of which authorities said are false, and were disruptive to students who are taking final exams.

"They're just malicious, I'll be the first to say I'm well in tune with the safety for our kids," said Roswell Schools Superintendent Tom Burris. Burris added, he has children in the district, and school officials work diligently to keep staff and students safe.

Police also wish to ensure the community that they are working hard to solve recent crimes. However, much of the message from city officials Monday was to not believe everything you hear on social media sites.

"We want to remind and encourage this community to be safe and to be cautious, and to live freely," said Jurney. "Don't be afraid, don't be scared, but be informed and aware of your surroundings."  

Mayor Jurney also noted that law enforcement is looking at a way to hold those people accountable who are perpetuating the false reports.

Roswell police also plan on being more active with social media to try and combat these rumors. Police said they'll soon have someone available to update the department's Facebook page on a regular basis.