Disabled Man Gets Dragged Out of Albuquerque Target
On Thursday, the Attorney General of New Mexico filed criminal charges against former Albuquerque Police Department officer Kenneth Skeens. The charges stem from allegations that Skeens unlawfully detained a customer at a Target store in Albuquerque.
“Our office has formally filed charges against former APD officer Kenneth Skeens for his involvement in the wrongful arrest of a disabled customer who was struggling to complete a purchase at an Albuquerque Target in August 2022. Instead of upholding his duty as a public servant and protecting vulnerable individuals, Mr. Skeens engaged in misconduct that compromised public safety and violated his sworn oath as a law enforcement officer in New Mexico,” Attorney General Raúl Torrez stated in a press release.
Bodycam footage released by the Attorney General’s office shows an officer speaking with a customer who was attempting to purchase a bicycle using cash at a self-checkout. The customer is heard saying, “It just took me a little while,” explaining that they needed time to retrieve money from a pouch. The footage shows cash on the checkout machine, but the officer responds, “You took too long.”
Repeatedly, the officer instructs the individual to collect the cash before taking the money himself and informing them that they are being charged with criminal trespassing. The officer then hands the collected money back to the customer.
The officers attempt to escort the individual out of the store, but the footage shows the person’s feet dragging across the floor, appearing to resist or being forced out. Outside, the individual sits on the curb and refuses to provide identification. When asked for their name, they respond, “None of your business,” prompting the officer to declare, “Alright, then you’re under arrest.” The individual also refers to the officers as security guards.
The individual attempts to dial 911 while surrounded by officers, but police forcibly seize the phone. Several officers then attempt to restrain and handcuff the individual, who is seen on their knees, being pressed toward the ground.
Near the end of the video, an officer informs the individual that they are being arrested and charged with “concealing identity, resisting officers.” The officers also clarify that they are police. The individual protests, saying, “That’s not right. I was just paying for my things.” They also add, “I didn’t know you were police officers … I didn’t see your badges.”
The Attorney General’s office has accused Kenneth Skeens of unlawfully detaining the individual against their will. According to a criminal complaint submitted to the district court, Skeens allegedly knew he had no legal authority to make the arrest.
Attorney General Torrez condemned the incident, stating, “It is outrageous that an officer, instead of assisting someone facing difficulties as a customer, would choose to abuse their power and apply excessive force.”
The Attorney General’s office further alleges that Skeens provided false statements under oath regarding the incident and deliberately misreported details to fellow law enforcement officers. Additionally, Skeens is accused of battery for unlawfully handling the individual, who is reportedly disabled.
“This individual had committed no crime. Without criminal activity, there was no legal basis for the officer to intervene as he did, let alone escalate the situation,” Torrez emphasized.
Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina stated that the department took action against Skeens as soon as the incident surfaced. Skeens was terminated from the force following the Target incident, as well as another case where he was found to have violated departmental policies, according to an Albuquerque Journal report.
Torrez acknowledged APD’s role in bringing the incident to light: “The Albuquerque Police Department should be credited for bringing this matter to our attention. They informed us while I was still with the District Attorney’s office.”
“They recognized this case as a violation of their professional and ethical standards, which ultimately led to Mr. Skeens’ dismissal from the force,” he added.
