Woman batters health care worker after burglarizing home

Beverly Gallegos, 37, of Pena Blanca, was arrested May 6 by Sandoval County deputies for criminal trespass and aggravated burglary in Pena Blanca, north of Bernalillo. Later that day, Rio Rancho Police also charged Gallegos with battery upon a health care worker at Sandoval Regional Medical Center.

At about 8 a.m. that day, a Sandoval County deputy responded to a report of a trespassing female. A short time later, dispatch advised the deputy that the same woman went to another residence and walked in the front door without permission, then reportedly battered the homeowner in the kitchen.

The homeowner said she said she was cooking breakfast when Gallegos came through the unlocked front door and that Gallegos pushed the rolling island into her, which pinned her against the stove and smashed her hand. The two fought each other. Though Gallegos was reportedly still very angry, the homeowner was able to get her out of the house and call 911.

The deputy found Gallegos at another residence down the street. She said she was looking for her husband and was allowed to be on the property at that address. The owner of the home told the deputy that he has a trespass order saying Gallegos can't be on the property.

At that point, she was taken to be booked, but medical personnel said she needed to go to the hospital for her injuries. RRPD police took her to Sandoval Regional Medical Center.

While at the hospital, Gallegos was non-compliant and pulled away from nurses while screaming. She additionally kicked a nurse in the abdomen.

Additional officers arrived to help, and Gallegos was shackled at the ankles to prevent further injury to anyone else.

Gallegos could face as much as 13 years in prison if convicted on all counts.