Gallup Police Department, New Mexico
End of Watch: Sunday, September 4, 1977
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 18 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Automobile crash
Date of Incident: September 4, 1977
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Convicted
Sergeant Barney Montoya was killed when his patrol vehicle was struck by a 19-year-old youth who ran a stop sign at Boardman Drive and East Aztec in Gallup.
The subject was arrested and released on a written promise to appear in court. He was convicted of manslaughter and put on 3 years probation with the condition that he pay Sergeant Montoya's wife $75.00 a week for three years.
Sergeant Montoya had served with the Gallup Police Department for 18 years. He was a widower and survived by his two sons.