By Roger Lanse

According to a criminal complaint filed on Aug. 23, 2020, with the U. S. District Court in Albuquerque, officers of the Albuquerque Police Department conducted a traffic stop with a 2013 silver Ford Fiesta on Aug. 23, 2020, in reference to an aggravated assault. The driver and sole occupant, Eugene Samuel Outz III, was detained. Outz admitted to law enforcement that a firearm was in the vehicle and that he was a convicted felon. The vehicle was impounded.

When the vehicle was searched on Aug. 30, officers found a loaded Taurus PT 145 Pro pistol and three baggies containing 169.8 grams of a brown substance which tested presumptive positive for heroin.

Between the time the vehicle was impounded and law enforcement searched the vehicle Outz attempted to break into his vehicle at the impound lot and also attempted to bribe employees to gain access to his vehicle to retrieve the illegal drugs and firearm.

On Sept. 1, Outz was charged in federal court with possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Legend in Albuquerque on July 22, 2020, after President Trump promised to assist America's cities which have been plagued by violence. Other cities participating in Operation Legend are Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Memphis, and Indianapolis. Operation Legend utilizes Federal agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshal's Office, DEA, and ATF to help state and local law enforcement agencies combat violent crime.