ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A pair of burglars are facing several charges after police say they’re responsible for a string of summer robberies at several businesses across the Metro.
Albuquerque Police Department (APD) said Brian Chavez, 30, was arrested Friday in connection to a series of robberies over the span of three months.
According to the criminal complaint, Chavez, with the help of Stephanie Hillard, 37, broke into several businesses in Albuquerque.
On June 11, police said Chavez used a car jack to wedge open the garage door to the Goodwill near San Mateo and Montgomery, where he is accused of stealing several computer towers, a laptop, and hundreds of dollars from a safe. Authorities claimed he also caused more than $2,000 in damages, but the burglaries didn’t stop there.
Police claimed, throughout July and August, Chavez stole from several ice and water vending machines throughout the city — sometimes with the help of Hillard.
APD stated Chavez spray-painted security cameras at several Twice the Ice and Nice Ice locations before breaking into the machines and stealing thousands of dollars.
The duo is also accused of targeting the Tiny Bubbles Car Wash in August near San Pedro and Gibson.
Police also alleged they damaged a car wash bay door before breaking open the cash register and stealing everything inside.
According to the criminal complaint, last month Chavez broke into the same Goodwill and stole from the vending machine inside the business.
Based on surveillance video and witness testimony, police were able to identify Chavez and Hillard as suspects in the cases. They were arrested on Friday and made their first appearance in court on Saturday morning.
The State has asked Chavez be kept behind bars until trial. As for Hillard, she was released.
Chavez and Hillard are both facing several charges including criminal damage to property over $1,000 and larceny.
