Bernalillo County Sheriff Seeks Termination of Deputy After Confrontation with Juvenile

Body camera footage shows deputy pushing juvenile's head down in patrol vehicle during arrest

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:05am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handcuffed wrist and part of a police uniform, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the stark, gritty details of a police investigation.A harsh, unforgiving spotlight on the physical realities of a contentious police encounter, exposing the tension and accountability at the heart of this investigation.Albuquerque Today

The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office has launched an investigation and is seeking to terminate Deputy Bryan Lassley after body camera footage showed him forcefully pushing a juvenile's head down while the teen was in the back of a patrol vehicle. The incident occurred in December 2025 after deputies were called to a disturbance involving a teenage girl who had left a youth services center. Sheriff John Allen said Lassley's actions showed he 'cannot keep your composure and do the right thing when a situation is stressful' and does 'not belong in law enforcement'.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about use of force by law enforcement, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations like juveniles. It also raises questions about accountability and disciplinary procedures within the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, as this is not the first time Deputy Lassley has faced scrutiny for his conduct.

The details

According to the body camera footage, Deputy Lassley arrived on the scene to assist other deputies who had already apprehended the teenage girl. While documenting her injuries, Lassley instructed the girl to 'stand up' and 'try a little bit harder' when she appeared to struggle. Moments later, the video shows Lassley forcefully pushing the girl's head down inside the patrol vehicle. Another deputy intervened, and the girl can be heard saying 'He hit my head on the chair, hard'.

  • The incident occurred in December 2025 near Second Street and Griegos Road in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
  • Sheriff John Allen announced the termination proceedings against Deputy Lassley last month.

The players

John Allen

The Bernalillo County Sheriff who called for an investigation into the incident and is seeking to terminate Deputy Lassley.

Bryan Lassley

The Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputy who was captured on body camera footage forcefully pushing a juvenile's head down inside a patrol vehicle.

Alexandria Gerard

The driver of a vehicle that was rear-ended by Deputy Lassley in a 2024 incident, which resulted in a lawsuit against him.

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What they’re saying

“If you cannot keep your composure and do the right thing when a situation is stressful, you do not belong in law enforcement.”

— John Allen, Bernalillo County Sheriff

“I didn't pull her head back or pull her head up. I could feel her kicking at me and kind of posturing... and then I forced it back down.”

— Bryan Lassley, Bernalillo County Sheriff's Deputy

“Not much. Just enough to hit the floorboard and to think about that.”

— Bryan Lassley, Bernalillo County Sheriff's Deputy

What’s next

The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that the case is still under review by Internal Affairs, and Deputy Lassley has not yet been fired. The other deputies involved in the incident are not currently under investigation and have not been disciplined.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement agencies face in balancing public safety, use of force, and accountability. It underscores the need for comprehensive training, clear policies, and robust oversight to ensure deputies can 'keep their composure and do the right thing' when dealing with vulnerable populations like juveniles.