Vegas woman sought after crash that killed ABQ man

Jul 22, 2023

Police are searching for a Las Vegas woman who they allege struck and killed a man who was working on an SUV at his Albuquerque home.

Jennifer Rue

An arrest warrant was issued Monday for 25-year-old Jennifer R. Rue. Investigators in Albuquerque allege that Rue was behind the wheel of a Chrysler PT Cruiser when she lost control and crashed into an SUV being worked on by 34-year-old Scott M. Toole. He later died at an Albuquerque hospital and police are still searching for Rue, who was already wanted on an outstanding warrant at the time of the crash.

Prosecutors in Bernalillo County charged Rue with one felony in Metropolitan Court on Monday, though the crash happened on Oct. 10, in the 900 block of Wilmoore Drive SE, just off Avenida Cesar Chavez, near the main campus of CNM in Albuquerque.

APD received a call about the crash a little after 4 p.m. Investigators began searching for Rue and the maroon 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser she was driving after speaking to witnesses.

Investigators determined that Rue was driving east on Avenida Cesar Chavez when she turned left onto Wilmoore. Police allege Rue was traveling too fast to safely make the turn and that she drove onto the sidewalk and struck a Ford Expedition that was hoisted on stands while Toole was repairing the SUV.

Rue's vehicle also struck Toole causing "serious chest injuries," according to a criminal complaint filed in Metro Court.

Following the crash, Rue and a male passenger fled on foot. A female passenger left the crash scene, but she remained in the area and was detained by police.

The woman told police that she and Rue had been drinking alcohol and had driven to pick up the male passenger who she only knew as "Jazzy," according to the complaint. She said Rue lost control of the vehicle as she turned onto Wilmoore, and that after the crash, Rue and Jazzy fled.

Police also interviewed Toole's girlfriend, who witnessed the crash. She said Toole was replacing the crankshaft and a sensor on her Expedition and had the front of the SUV on stands while he was on his back with his hands in the wheel well when Rue crashed into the SUV.

She told police that following the collision, Toole stood briefly and stumbled toward her before falling to the ground while convulsing. He soon stopped breathing.

Toole was transported to University of New Mexico Hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries.

Toole, a father of two and a former U.S. Marine, was originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, according to an obituary. He won a battle with leukemia when he was just 4, and after high school he became an EMT. After serving as a Marine, he became a registered nurse and worked for an ambulance company in Albuquerque.

Rue has previous convictions for conspiracy to commit trafficking and possession of a controlled substance.

In February, Rue was convicted in San Miguel Magistrate Court for several misdemeanor traffic violations, including not having a driver's license. In April, a warrant for her arrest was issued after she failed to pay $403 in court fines and fees.

A second warrant was issued Monday for one felony count of failure to give information and render aid in an accident with great bodily harm or death.

Rue was not in custody as of this writing.

My sincere condolences to his family and friends. The shock and grief will no doubt impact the rest of their lives. As far as I am concerned if found guilty she should be imprisoned for the remainder of her life. Sadly our liberal politicians in SF, NM who BELIEVE EVERY ANTI SOCIAL DEVIANT DESERVES A FIFTH, SIXTH, and SEVENTH CHANCE, have written laws that will allow her out on the streets within 5 years or less. Sickening.

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