Man Charged After Allegedly Strangling Woman at Gallup Love’s Gas Station

A man is facing criminal charges after police say he assaulted and strangled a woman at the Love’s gas station on West Highway 66 in Gallup after the woman refused to buy him alcohol. Gallup Police Officer Eric Mangum was dispatched to the station at 3380 W. Hwy. 66 at about 10:30 pm, and the incident is now under investigation.

Police reports say the woman had declined to purchase alcohol for the suspect, and the interaction escalated to physical violence. The suspect has been charged in connection with the assault and alleged strangulation; authorities have not released the suspect’s name. The victim was treated at the scene and law enforcement secured the area while collecting evidence and statements.

The incident occurred Feb. 6, 2026, and underscores concerns about late-night safety at travel plazas and convenience stores along busy corridors such as Hwy. 66. Love’s locations typically serve a mix of local drivers, long-haul truckers, and tourists; a violent episode at a high-traffic site can depress foot traffic for nights and weekends, increase liability and insurance costs for businesses, and prompt immediate security upgrades.

For local residents and Gallup businesses, the practical fallout is likely to include increased police presence and calls for better on-site security. Convenience store operators commonly respond to such incidents by improving lighting, adding or upgrading camera systems, training staff on de-escalation, and coordinating with the Gallup Police Department for more regular patrols during vulnerable hours. Those steps aim to restore customer confidence and limit the kinds of losses that follow safety scares - lost sales, higher worker absenteeism, and higher operating expenses.

The broader policy implications could reach the city and county level. Elected officials and public safety planners may reassess late-night safety strategies, including targeted patrols, improved street lighting, and outreach to businesses about best practices for preventing alcohol-related confrontations. For a community where highway commerce is a meaningful part of local economic activity, maintaining safe, reliable service points matters for both residents and travelers.

Investigators continue to develop the case. The suspect faces prosecution and further legal proceedings, and Gallup Police encourage anyone with information about the incident to come forward. For residents and workers, the immediate takeaway is to remain vigilant in late-night settings and for business owners to review security measures to protect staff and customers as the city evaluates its response.