Albuquerque, NM - The individual suspected of a hit and run, killing a seven-year-old boy in December has been arrested by the United States Marshal Service and the Albuquerque Police Department. Sergio Almanza surrendered to/was arrested by the United States Marshals Service-Southwest Investigative Task Force (USMS-SWIFT) on Jan. 31, 2022. Almanza is suspected in the fatal hit-and-run that killed seven-year-old Pronoy Bhattacharya.
On Dec. 12, 2021, Bhattacharya was with his family as they walked in the crosswalk at Central Ave. and Tingley Dr S.W., after attending the River of Lights show, at the Albuquerque BioPark.
Albuquerque Police Department Investigators determined Almanza was driving an illegal off-road vehicle along Central Avenue as he sped through a red light and struck Bhattacharya and his father. The driver fled the scene going westbound on Central.
The investigation was initiated by the Albuquerque Police Department and an arrest warrant was issued for Almanza’S arrest. The fugitive apprehension case was recently turned over to the United States Marshals Service. Crime Stoppers also played a pivotal role, by generating tips from the public that enabled investigators to identify Almanza as the suspect.
Shortly after the incident, investigators served a warrant at Almanza’s home in Belen and determined he had fled. He was considered a fugitive until he turned himself in. This arrest is the result of joint efforts involving the USMS-SWIFT, including the Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, the New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Department of Corrections-Probation & Parole (STIU), and the United States Marshals Service.
“This arrest is the result of a lot of teamwork - within APD, and with our partners at the U.S. Marshals Service, the District Attorney’s Office," APD Chief Harold Medina said. “I promised Pronoy’s parents we would do everything possible to bring this suspect to justice." “Taking this defendant into custody is a testament to great teamwork with all our partners and our hope is that it will give the victim’s family a sense of peace, “said Sonya K. Chavez, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico. “Sadly, nothing will ever bring their son back, but our hope is that they will find some comfort," she added.
The United States Marshals Service, as the first Federal Law Enforcement Agency in the United States (1789) continues to serve our Nation in unseen, but critical missions to include protecting the Federal Judicial process, managing seized assets (acquired by criminals, thru illegal means), housing and transporting federal prisoners and enforcement operations. By combining the resources of multiple agencies, the identification, investigation and apprehension of fugitives wanted for egregious crimes against the community, is accomplished while ensuring the application of equal Justice, Integrity, and Service for all.
