Photo Courtesy of Brett Rosenau family
Albuquerque teen, Brett Rosenau, died from smoke inhalation after a SWAT Team launched tear gas into a residence while pursuing a suspect named Qiaunt Kelley.
The City of Albuquerque released an official statement saying Brett passed away from smoke caused by a fire at the residence. The fire occurred after a SWAT Team launched tear gas into the home, located in the 8100 block of San Joaquin, S.E., to force him and Qiaunt out of the premises. Police said the 27-year-old previously fled there and barricaded himself inside, but they were able to track him down. They also found Brett there, who they say walked in later on.
Authorities said Qiaunt was wanted for violating his parole for armed carjacking and stolen vehicle charges. In addition, he was wanted for questioning in connection to a police shooting on May 5, the fatal shooting of a man on June 26, and an armed robbery currently being investigated.
Police added that they tried to get him and the 15-year-old out of the house for several hours to no avail, so they resorted to having a drone sent to drop powder irritants. The residence eventually caught on fire, prompting firefighters to arrive, and when they had done so, Qiaunt finally came outside. He was brought to a local hospital to be treated for burns and then later arrested and booked for his outstanding warrants, but Brett, on the other hand, was found dead at the scene.
“In our effort to track down and arrest a violent criminal, a young person tragically lost his life,” The Albuquerque Police Department Chief Harold Medina said. “I know many people in our community are hurting right now… If any of our actions inadvertently contributed to his death, we will take steps to ensure this never happens again.”
Brett’s family described him as a teen who “walked to the beat of his own drum.”
Police reportedly said that a task force is conducting a criminal investigation on the incident, and the local district attorney will review its results.