Two underage girls with outstanding armed robbery warrants boarded a school bus and entered Rio Grande High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on May 15, 2025, prompting a 15-minute lockdown. The incident has raised serious concerns about school security and transportation protocols.
According to school officials, students reported two suspicious females on campus, leading staff to initiate a “shelter-in-place” protocol. The girls were found hiding in a second-floor bathroom stall, appearing to be under the influence. After being escorted out, they fled the campus but were apprehended shortly after by Bernalillo County sheriff’s deputies. Both suspects are minors and are expected to face additional charges from Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) police.
Parents have expressed concern over how the girls were able to board the school bus. APS stated that drivers are provided with route lists and are instructed to contact dispatch if they encounter unfamiliar students. However, regulations prevent drivers from denying students a ride at the bus stop in the morning. The district is considering measures such as requiring students to carry school IDs and implementing scanners on buses for identity verification.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about student safety and the effectiveness of current security measures in schools. As the investigation continues, APS and its transportation contractor are reviewing protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
