🌱 Dolores Gonzales Elementary​ Honored + Suspect Of Drive-By Arrested

Hello, neighbors! It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening locally, including these three stories.

But first, today's weather:

Sunshine and patchy clouds. High: 68 Low: 43.

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Here are the top three stories in Albuquerque today:

1. Dolores Gonzales Elementary teacher Norma Lujan-Quiñones was recently honored with a special celebration after being one of three teachers in New Mexico over the last week to receive the Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching award. Lujan-Quiñones was invited to the school library on Tuesday, believing that she was arriving to celebrate the spirit of School Librarian Appreciation Day and was instead met with a surprise celebration where she was the guest of honor. The dance teacher is the second Albuquerque Public Schools teacher to receive the Golden Apple, and her peers said they weren't surprised at the recognition and praised her dedication and the work she puts in for the school. Lujan-Quiñones also found out during the same week that she has been selected to receive the Henry W. Pascual Teacher Excellence Award by the New Mexico Association for Bilingual Education. (Albuquerque Public Schools)
2. Albuquerque local Braxton McCarty, 21, appeared in court yesterday morning to face a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in relation to an incident where he allegedly pulled a gun on a DoorDash driver for delivering the wrong order to him. The incident reportedly took place on Mar. 30 around 10:30 p.m. when deputies were called to an Albuquerque neighborhood. According to reports, McCarty called the DoorDash driver to return after discovering that he had been given the wrong order; their discussion escalated into an argument during which McCarty allegedly drew a gun and caused the driver to press a panic button that called police to the scene. (KOB 4)
3. Albuquerque police reported that they arrested Dominique Spicer, 31, during a traffic stop after Spicer was accused of being involved in two drive-by shootings that occurred in March; during the traffic stop, officers also seized a gun. Spicer is facing charges related to his alleged involvement in the shootings which took place on Mar. 8 and Mar. 12. On Mar. 8, Spicer's ex-girlfriend called the authorities after she believed he fired a gun outside her home. The second shooting occurred outside the ex-girlfriend's relative's house, which caused her to call again with the belief that the incident was related to Spicer. No one was injured, and no property was damaged during either incident, but casings were recovered from both scenes. (KRQE News 13)

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Today in Albuquerque:

• Kids Cook: Nutrition Program — 907 4th Street SW (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Earlier this week, gt. Major Poccia of the Albuquerque Police Department was recognized for his amazing work during last year's Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire in Northern New Mexico. To honor his services, he was memorialized with a Congressional Record and was also the first to receive the APD Exemplary Concurrent Service Award. (Albuquerque Police Department via Facebook)
• The first 2,000 fans who are 21 and older to arrive at the Albuquerque Istope's game tomorrow will receive a long-sleeve shirt courtesy of Modelo. Come out and support the Isotopes as they take on the Salt Lake Bees. (Albuquerque Isotopes via Instagram)
• Earlier this week, the Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) attended career fairs at Mesa High School and East Mountain High School. The AFR wants to once again thank the schools for welcoming the squad and would especially like to highlight Squad 2 A-Shift for showing the students different tools. (Albuquerque Fire Rescue via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right. I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new update!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.