FBI statistics show the violent crime rate in New Mexico improved slightly in 2014 but remained significantly higher than the national rate.
The figures released this week also identify Espanola as the New Mexico city with the highest violent crime rate, due to a relatively high number of aggravated assault arrests in the small northern New Mexico city. All but 42 of the city's 265 violent crimes were classified as aggravated assault, while there were no new murder or non-negligent manslaughter cases in the community.
The Espanola Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Statewide, there were roughly 597 violent crimes per 100,000 people — almost two times the national rate.
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