Reported Threat Targets Las Crucens

LAS CRUCES, NM — Las Crucens are being urged to be cautious and keep a lookout for suspicious activity.

Police issued a warningFriday night that someone has threatened to randomly shoot people if city leaders fail to hand over a “substantial” ransom.

The city received the second of two threatening letters yesterday afternoon, but police remain tightlipped about details of the demand.

“Both communications demand that the city of Las Cruces make available to the suspected extortionists a certain amount of money,” said RandyLara, of theLas CrucesPolice Department.

“The city, the police department, the state and federal law enforcement agencies are taking this threat seriously,” Lara said.”All area law enforcement agencies are actively investigating these threats. We are calling on the Las Cruces community to help us in our efforts to keep our families safe.”

Lara said they didn’t want to alarm residents but they urged them to be careful.

The FBI, state police and Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office are helping with the investigation, Lara said.