APD arrests 7 in one week for bait car thefts

APD arrests 7 in one week for bait car thefts

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) –  The Albuquerque Police Department’s Auto Theft Unit recently arrested seven people for stealing city-owned bait cars.

Police arrest man and issue warrant for other suspect

One of the arrests happened on July 13 on Tramway Blvd NE. Police said two men were seen getting into the car armed with a handgun. K-9 units and air support were called in to help track the vehicle as it recklessly drove downtown, according to police.

Officers arrested the driver, 19-year-old Jordan Marquez, after he allegedly fled from the vehicle. His passenger, Josiah Arvizu, also reportedly took turns driving the car and fled in another vehicle. Police said a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Marquez was charged with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon, aggravated fleeing, and resisting and evading.


APD arrests man who was accidentally released from Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center

Teen arrested

A second individual was arrested on July 18 along Central Avenue in southeast Albuquerque. Police said the 17-year-old allegedly had a gun on him and fled from the bait car when it was disabled on San Mateo and Central.

The teen was arrested for unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon, tampering with evidence, criminal damage, and evading on foot. He was brought to the Juvenile Probation-Parole Office.

Auto theft operation nets three arrests

Auto Theft detectives also worked an operation on July 18 and arrested Albert Ramirez, Evelyn Salas, and Randy Gallegos for bait car thefts. Police did not provide more information about the arrests.


APD arrests man who was accidentally released from Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center

Police: Duo takes turns driving bait car

Two other individuals were arrested on July 19 after detectives received a bait car activation in the Foothills Area Command. Detectives responded to the area and identified Dakota Helmick as the driver of the bait car. Surveillance was conducted on the vehicle with the assistance of Air Support officers and their drones.

Police said Helmick picked up Monica Zamora near Mountain Road, and Monica got into the driver’s seat. Helmick and Zamora were driving when auto theft detectives, air support, and Foothills officers got behind the bait car and disabled the vehicle in the area of Morris and Bellamah. Both Helmick and Zamora were arrested and were found to be on probation.

Helmick was booked for unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, auto burglary, and a probation violation warrant. Zamora was charged with receiving and transferring a stolen motor vehicle and a probation violation warrant.

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