11-24-2024 1:01pm

Alamogordo Police Apprehend 2 Suspects in Weaponized Shoplifting Incident

Chris Edwards Editor

Evidence Courtesy Photo APD Western Ace Hardware

The Alamogordo Police Department deserves recognition for their prompt response to an encounter downtown at Alamogordo’s Western Ace Hardware when two individuals collaborated to employe a ruse to distract and steal high-value items. The suspects were armed with knives, showing no reluctance to fight for what they were stealing and acted in a situation that could have turned very dangerous to the staff employees and bystanders.

The two individuals then fled down 8th Street and proceeded into the 800 Block of New York Avenue where they attempted to hide out. The two individuals then proceeded to jump into a car parked on the 800 Block of New York Avenue in an attempt to hide from area police.

Thanks to the diligent work of bystanders collaborating with the Alamogordo Police Department representatives the police then located the two suspects in a parked motor vehicle. The Alamogordo police called for back up and then demanded the individuals exit the vehicle. After initial resistance each existed and were arrested by APD.

According to police records the two suspects are also alleged to have participated in a series of crimes in the Artesia area.

Arrested and charged were Estella Najeres and was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, shoplifting over $500, conspiracy to commit shoplifting, and tampering with evidence.

Also arrested and charged was Genaro Navarro who was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, shoplifting over $500, conspiracy to commit shoplifting, and tampering with evidence also with resisting and evading arrest.

The crimes charges are 3rd degree felony charges and could result in fines and 3 to 5 years in state prison.

The most owners of Western Ace Hardware submitted a social media post thanking the APD for their quick response and warning other local small business owners to be diligent and aware for their safety.