Former APD officer faces charges over ‘unlawful arrest’

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Charges have officially been filed against a former Albuquerque police officer who came under fire earlier this year for what police called an “unlawful arrest.”

Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed charges against Kenneth Skeens. Video shows Skeens and other officers walking up to a man and trying to detain him for allegedly shoplifting at the Target on Coors and Paseo.

APD fired Skeens in February, saying there was no reason for the arrest, which led to use of force.

The charges against the man were also dropped after he was deemed incompetent. 

In a statement issued Thursday, AG Torrez said the man had a disability and was struggling to complete his purchase. He also said Skeens should’ve helped the man, instead of engaging in “abusive and unlawful behavior that undermined public safety.”

Skeens faces charges of false imprisonment, filing a false police report, perjury and battery.

MORE:

• APD officer fired after using questionable use of force during arrest