Arrest Made after Durango Rec Center Damaged by Gunfire

Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 9:31 AM

Joe Brinkerhoff (Courtesy: Durango Police Dept.)

The initial call was received at 5:23 AM. The individual was identified from video surveillance. The male was contacted by Durango Police Department Patrol and is now in custody. He has been identified as Joe Brinkerhoff, a resident of the City of Durango. Due to a prior incident, Joe Brinkerhoff was trespassed from the property and his Rec Center privileges were suspended.

From the Durango Police Dept.

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

On April 2, 2025, at approximately 12:40 AM, an individual fired a firearm into a front facing window of the Durango Recreation Center causing significant damage including the destruction of that front entry window. The damage was discovered by Durango Rec Center employees upon opening the Rec Center this morning for business.

This is an on-going investigation. There is no further danger to the public. Regarding the facility updates of the Recreation Center, the lap pool remains open; however, the hot tub and leisure pool are closed until further notice.

We want to thank our graveyard shift patrol team for their swift identification and safe apprehension of the suspect. We also thank the Durango Recreation Center staff for their prompt reporting, cooperation, and assistance in helping to identify the individual involved.

More from Local News

Durango Begins Water Restrictions

Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.
Candidates for San Juan County Sheriff Speak with KSJE

All four republican candidates for San Juan County Sheriff have sat down for an interview with KSJE General Manager Scott Michlin.
Police Capture Driver from Fatal Hit & Run US 550 Crash

The driver of the commercial vehicle, identified as 55-year-old Jasper Bunny of Farmington, sustained serious injuries. He was transported by helicopter to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The fleeing driver, identified as 34-year-old Crescencio Castro Baldazo, was located a short distance away near milepost 103. Citizens at the scene prevented him from leaving and reported that he appeared to be intoxicated.
Police ID Suspect and Officers involved in Hines Rd. Shooting

Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them. During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.
2 Year Old Reunited with Father, Mother Arrested

A complex investigation began, tracking Ms. Salazar across multiple states with cooperation from several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, that concluded last week when Ms. Salazar was arrested on her warrant and the child was returned to New Mexico where he is now with Mr. West.
Candidates File to Run in the NM June 2nd Primary

These candidates have filed to run in the New Mexico Primary on June 2, 2026. We are only listing candidates in CONTESTED races.