Albuquerque, NM (February 23, 2026) – Sergeant Michael Schlattman of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office was killed in a crash on I-40 east of Albuquerque on Monday evening while on a traffic stop.
Incident Details: According to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), the crash happened on Monday, February 23, 2026, around 5 p.m., east of Albuquerque near mile marker 170 at Carnuel. Sgt. Schlattman was conducting a traffic stop on I-40 westbound.
Investigators reported that Sgt. Schlattman radioed that he had initiated a traffic stop and exited his patrol unit. A semi-truck struck the rear of his department-issued vehicle and pinned him underneath.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene. Sgt. Schlattman died at the scene from his injuries.
Investigation: Authorities are conducting a detailed investigation into the crash on I-40 westbound that killed Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sgt. Michael Schlattman. Because the collision occurred during a traffic stop, investigators will focus on multiple critical factors, including:
- Vehicle positioning—Determining where Sgt. Schlattman’s patrol unit was parked relative to traffic lanes, and whether emergency lights were activated and visible.
- Move Over compliance—Assessing whether the semi-truck driver slowed down or changed lanes as required when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle.
- Speed and braking data—Reviewing electronic control module data from the semi-truck to analyze speed, throttle input, and braking in the moments before impact.
- Driver attentiveness—Evaluating whether distraction, fatigue, or inattention contributed to the failure to avoid the patrol vehicle.
- Commercial compliance records—Examining hours-of-service logs, maintenance records, and company safety policies to determine whether regulatory violations played a role.
These investigative steps will help determine whether the semi-truck driver violated New Mexico’s Move Over law, failed to maintain proper control of the vehicle, or otherwise acted negligently.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving first responders conducting traffic stops often raise questions about compliance with “Move Over” laws, which require drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles stopped on the roadway. If investigators determine the semi-truck driver failed to move over or operate the vehicle safely, civil liability may follow in addition to any potential criminal consequences.
Because a commercial vehicle was involved, liability may also extend to the trucking company depending on driver training, supervision, and adherence to federal safety standards.
Sgt. Schlattman’s surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim if negligence is established, in addition to any benefits available through law enforcement service protections.
My deepest condolences go out to Sgt. Michael Schlattman’s family, colleagues, and the entire Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. His service and dedication to protecting the community will not be forgotten.
Source: KOAT Action News 7