New Mexico Police Officer Killed in Crash

A Rio Rancho police officer died in a single-vehicle crash early today while responding to a call, according to a police department spokesman.

Officer Anthony Haase, whose age was not immediately available, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on Idalia Road, said Rio Rancho Police spokesman Lt. Paul Rogers. The crash is under investigation by police.

According to Rogers, Haase was responding to a domestic violence call at 2:54 a.m. at a home in the Northern Meadows subdivision. His car was found off the road.

Haase was hired by the police department in October 2013 and graduated from the police academy in May.

Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull called Haase’s death “deeply saddening.”

“The city of Rio Rancho mourns the loss of this dedicated law enforcement public servant, and extends its heartfelt condolences to Officer Haase’s loved ones,” Hull said in a statement. “I urge community members to keep Officer Haase’s family in their thoughts and prayers and to reflect on the dedication of the brave men and women who risk their lives daily to keep Rio Rancho safe.”

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