APD: Good Samaritan killed in gas station shooting

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque police say a Good Samaritan was shot to death at a gas station over the weekend.

According to APD, 58-year-old Eric Ford is the man behind the chaos that unfolded at the Circle K at Juan Tabo and Lomas. Ford made his first appearance before a judge Monday, charged with murder and tampering with evidence.

According to the criminal complaint, a clerk at Circle K tried to get Ford to leave the store after causing a scene. Ford then allegedly hit her, catching the attention of 24-year-old Michael Urioste, who tried stepping in to help.

Ford and Urioste then started fighting outside. A woman who was with Ford started hitting Urioste with a cane. That’s when gunshots rang out.

Police said Ford shot Urioste, killing him. Ford also shot another man who was fueling up his car.

Police said Ford fled the scene but was caught Sunday morning. Investigators collected surveillance and cell phone video showing the fight and the shooting.

Online court records show a long criminal history for Ford, for a variety of crimes ranging from drug possession to violent felonies. Prosecutors will soon ask a district court judge to hold him in custody until trial.