ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – An internal affairs investigation from the National Park Service regarding a December 2020 incident that involved a law enforcement ranger tasing Darrell House was released on Friday. The investigation concluded that the officer’s actions were consistent with agency policy and appropriate for the circumstances.
According to a press release from the National Park Service, on December 27, a park ranger came into contact with a man and woman who were off-trail on rocks containing petroglyphs. Officials say the investigation confirmed that before the officer-involved used his taser on House, he tried to resolve the interaction with a warning. Also, the investigation states the two individuals gave authorities false names and dates of birth.
House received citations for being in a closed area off-trail, providing false information, and failing to comply with a lawful order. The woman also received a citation for providing false information as well as being in a closed area off-trail.
KRQE News 13 spoke with House back in December he said he goes off trail all the time and never had any issues, “I will continue doing my prayers and going off-trail without permission without consent because that’s my right,” House said.
National Park Service leaders say they are working with pueblo and tribal communities to better coordinate the use of the area for ceremonial and religious purposes.
The Park Service has also sought cultural awareness training for employees the most recent training was last week and was provided to all employees – including the involved officer. KRQE News 13 reached out to New Mexico Congresswoman Deb Halaand’s office who is the nominee to be Interior Secretary and would oversee the Park Service, to get her reaction to the investigation, but have not heard back.
