Rio Rancho JV Baseball Player Charged After Allegedly Contaminating Opponent's Water Cooler

A 16-year-old student from Rio Rancho High School is facing 15 counts of battery for allegedly urinating in the water cooler of the La Cueva junior varsity baseball team during a game. The incident, which involved players consuming water from the contaminated cooler, led to a police investigation initiated by Rio Rancho Public Schools. As a result, the entire JV baseball team has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, with the C Team temporarily replacing them. La Cueva Principal Darrell Garcia expressed deep concern over the incident and has encouraged affected families to consult healthcare providers. The school district is coordinating with law enforcement and has promised severe disciplinary actions for those involved. Additionally, support resources, including nurses and counselors, are being made available to students potentially impacted by the incident.