Family, friends release balloons in honor of APD officer killed in hit-and-run

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It was an emotional Sunday for friends and family of Officer Bianca Quintana as dozens gathered to honor and remember her. She was an Albuquerque p olice officer who was killed in a hit-and-run Wednesday morning.

“A young lady taken from us too soon,” said Patricia Garcia, a close family friend.

Hugs, tears, and an energy of love for Officer Quintana filled the air as loved ones and friends showed their support and paid respect to her memory. An array of blue, pink, and red covered the sky as the crowd released their balloons.

“We just love her and miss her, and she’s not hurting anymore for whatever, fighting she was going through,” Garcia explained.

Quintana was a mother, a sister, and a daughter among other titles. Those close to her say she had a strong love for everyone and would go out of her way to help anyone who needed it.

“My girls played ball with her, and she continued playing the game she loves, and she had a smile for miles, and she always encouraged everyone,” Garcia added.

Officer Quintana was walking in the South Valley near Coors and Chapulin Rd. on Wednesday just before 1 a.m. when she was hit and killed by a vehicle. That vehicle fled the scene.

Officer Quintana started her law enforcement career with Los Lunas police in 2021, according to the department. She became an Albuquerque police officer in 2022. Quintana’s close friends are urging the driver responsible for her death to come forward.

“Please give us closure. Come out and let us know. We understand that you might have a family just like she did, but guess what? You’re still alive, and she’s not,” Garcia said.

The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office is still looking for the driver. The vehicle is believed to be a newer model Volkswagen, but law enforcement does not know the make or color. A memorial has been placed for Officer Quintana where the hit-and-run happened.

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