SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Police say a Christmas party for county employees in New Mexico turned violent after an attendee punched a deputy in the nose and struck a radio dispatcher.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the alcohol-infused melee took place Sunday at a Santa Fe hotel following a holiday party for Santa Fe County employees that resulted in a battery complaint against a facilities operation maintenance manager.
Witnesses told police Phillip "PJ" Montano had been drinking heavily before he struck Santa Fe County Sheriff's Lt. Michael Delgado in the face "for an unknown reason." The report says Montano also hit 22-year-old radio dispatcher Alyssa Martinez in her chest after she tried to break up a fight.
Officers reported finding blood stains on the carpet, walls and bed sheets in the room.
It was not known if Montano had an attorney.