Gallup Police Seek Public Help Locating Missing Inmate Tommy Charley

Gallup Police asked the public to help locate 51 year old Tommy Charley after he was last seen leaving the McKinley County Adult Detention Center on November 16, 2025. The bulletin published by the Gallup Sun on that date described Charley as about 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing about 140 pounds, bald, and having brown eyes. Police reported he has several tattoos, including the word Slayer on his right shoulder and forearm, and his children s names on his chest. He was reportedly wearing a gray T shirt, black pants and black shoes when last seen.

The request for information underscores immediate concerns about community safety and the need for clear communication when someone departs a detention facility under unclear circumstances. For residents of McKinley County, a missing person who was last observed leaving a custody facility raises questions about how the individual left the site and what steps local authorities are taking to locate him quickly. Police asked anyone with information to contact Gallup Police, and community members are encouraged to share what they know to speed a safe resolution.

Beyond the immediate search, this incident highlights broader public health and systemic considerations. Individuals who leave detention centers may have unmet medical needs, mental health conditions or challenges with substance use that require continuity of care. Gaps in reentry services and in coordination between detention staff, public health providers and community organizations can compound risks for the person and for neighbors who may be concerned about safety and wellbeing. Strengthening protocols for health screening, release procedures and community notification can reduce those risks and better protect both individuals and the public.

The situation also raises equity questions about how people in custody are supported as they transition back into the community. McKinley County residents who are already facing barriers to health care, housing and transportation may be disproportionately affected if local systems do not provide timely supports. Community based providers, tribal partners and county health agencies have roles to play in ensuring that people who leave detention are not left without essential services.

As police continue their efforts to locate Charley, the most practical step for residents is to report any sightings or information to Gallup Police. Timely tips can help law enforcement locate him quickly, allow public health partners to assess any care needs and give families and neighbors the information they need to feel safer while systems work to address gaps that incidents like this reveal.