Silver Alert Issued for Missing Rio Rancho Man Henry Chmielenko

New Mexico State Police issued a Silver Alert early Saturday for Henry Chmielenko, a Rio Rancho man who is missing and may require medical assistance. Anyone who spots Chmielenko or has any information on his whereabouts should call the Rio Rancho Police Department immediately at (505) 891-7226 or dial 911.

The alert was requested by the Rio Rancho Police Department and disseminated statewide through electronic highway signs, commercial radio and television stations, and social media. Under New Mexico law, only the state Department of Public Safety can terminate a Silver Alert once it has been declared, meaning the alert stays active until authorities confirm Chmielenko has been located.

Time is critical. According to data compiled by the Department of Public Safety, nearly 95 percent of people who went missing between 2022 and January 31, 2025 were found after police issued a Silver Alert. Rio Rancho neighbors are urged to check familiar places: parks, walking trails, bus stops, and any regular haunts, and to report sightings immediately rather than waiting to confirm details.

The alert comes just two weeks after Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed House Bill 197 on March 21, 2025, significantly broadening who qualifies for statewide notification. The previous standard required clear indication that a missing person suffered from Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Under HB 197, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Sanchez (D-Alcalde), the alert now covers anyone 50 or older, or anyone believed to show signs of cognitive decline or impairment regardless of age. The new law also removes the requirement for a formal medical diagnosis, shifting the eligibility call to whoever reports the person missing. It takes full effect June 20, 2025.

The New Mexico Missing Persons Clearinghouse, operated by the Department of Public Safety, posts active cases to its public website and coordinates with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to keep all records current.

Anyone with information should call RRPD at (505) 891-7226 or 911. Media inquiries can be directed to the New Mexico State Police Public Information Officer at (505) 827-3349.