Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Increased Crime at Adam Food Market Raises Concerns in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Almost a year after the city’s attempt to shut down a property they have deemed a crime magnet, recent events indicate that problems persist at the Adam Food Market on Central. The latest incident occurred on Wednesday night, resulting in another homicide at this troubled location.

A History of Crime and Violence

The Adam Food Market, situated at the corner of Central and Pennsylvania, has been marred by drug trafficking, assaults, and homicides over the past years. The alarming frequency of these incidents has led the police to label this intersection as the most dangerous in the entire state of New Mexico. Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina stated, “Six homicides at or near the Adam Market in the matter of two years. That’s six homicides too many. If it wasn’t shocking enough about those six homicides, there were 500 calls for service and 117 reports written in one year at that business,” back in March 2023.

This pattern of violence has continued, with the recent homicide marking the seventh such incident at the market. Businesses neighboring the Adam Food Market are understandably concerned about their safety. “Last night, I was here. They had a significant police presence. This lot has a substantial problem,” voiced a local community member who wished to remain anonymous.

Latest Homicide Incident

On Wednesday night, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) responded to a shooting in the parking lot of the market, resulting in the death of 36-year-old Nicole Maldonado. This tragedy further highlights the market’s status as a hot spot for criminal activity. In February of the previous year, the city attempted to temporarily shut down the property through a lawsuit, but the case was eventually dismissed. It has been reported that new owners have taken over the property since then.

Recent Shootout and Community Concerns

Approximately three weeks ago, a shootout occurred between officers and a suspect in the Adam Food Market’s parking lot. During the exchange of gunfire, an officer sustained injuries to his hands. KRQE reached out to the market’s management, who, off camera, emphasized that their property serves an underrepresented community, providing essential services to their low-income neighbors. They expressed that while they can control what happens within the store, they have no control over the actions of individuals in the vicinity. Concerned neighbors are hopeful that the city will take more substantial measures to address the escalating crime rate. “Every day they have a multitude of problems. There are shootings. I don’t know why there is so much crime,” shared an anonymous neighbor.

As of now, the APD has yet to identify a suspect in the shooting that occurred on Wednesday night.

A spokesperson from the city of Albuquerque stated:

“The amount of violence surrounding Adam Food Mart is unacceptable, and we will continue to strive towards eliminating crime from our community. The city is actively working with the new business owners to address criminal activities and is prepared to take further legal action if necessary.”

Ava Montoya, City of Albuquerque Spokesperson

.