Photos of Injured Bishop at Center of Open Records Dispute

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The city of Gallup is asking a judge to determine whether photographs taken by police of a Roman Catholic bishop are a matter of public record.

Bishop Donald Pelotte badly injured himself in an apparent fall at his home last month.

City officials fear they'll be sued for invasion of privacy if they release the photos.

But they could be sued for violating state open records laws if they keep the pictures from the public.

The city filed a complaint in state district court in McKinley County yesterday, asking a judge to determine the photos' fate.

At least two media outlets have requested access to the photos.

An attorney for the city of Gallup said once a judge has made a ruling, the city won't have to worry about being sued by anyone.