by Christopher Sanchez
Daily Lobo
UNM Police officer Luke Montoya was arrested on a charge of battery against a household member Monday.
The UNM Police Department placed Montoya on "routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal investigation and internal affairs investigation into the incident."
According to an affidavit, Montoya's wife stated he started acting crazy after he wanted to give their baby a bath, but she wanted to wait until before the baby's bedtime Saturday.
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Montoya's wife, who is an officer for the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, stated in the report that Luke Montoya went outside to get his wallet from their vehicle, and she locked him outside. Montoya kicked the front door down and threw a set of keys at his wife, striking her on the left wrist, according to the affidavit.
Montoya then started to call himself worthless and retrieved a pistol from the master bedroom and put it in his mouth, according to the affidavit. Montoya returned the pistol to the bedroom after his wife yelled at him, the affidavit stated. Montoya left their home in a vehicle, according to the affidavit.
The Rio Rancho Department of Public Safety responded to the Montoya household, and a representative from the UNM Police Department took custody of Montoya's badge of office and his Taser, according to the affidavit.
A warrant was issued for Montoya's arrest when he failed to meet and discuss the incident with officers of Rio Rancho Department of Public Safety, said John Francis, spokesman for the Rio Rancho Department of Public Safety.
Francis said Montoya turned himself in on Monday to the UNM Police Department, and he was then taken to the Albuquerque Metro Detention Center.
Montoya has been with UNM Police Department for more than three years, said Lt. Pat Davis, spokesman for the UNM Police Department.
If Montoya is convicted he could face up to a $500 fine, 90 days in jail or both, Francis said.
Montoya could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
