Alamogordo Police Nab Ignacio Lopez and a Juvenile in Ace Hardware Break-in

Alamogordo, NM — Local authorities have made arrests in connection with a brazen commercial burglary at Ace Hardware that saw multiple firearms stolen from the business in the early morning hours.

According to the Alamogordo Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Ace Hardware store at 412 E. 9th Street around 2:50 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, following a triggered burglary alarm. Upon arrival, they found clear signs of forced entry and, after clearing the building, confirmed that several firearms had been taken.

A store representative arrived on scene and verified the missing weapons. Investigators examined surveillance video, developed suspect descriptions, and conducted a neighborhood canvass, but the suspects had already fled. The case was promptly handed over to the APD Criminal Investigations Division for further work.

Through continued detective efforts, investigators identified a suspect vehicle and two individuals believed responsible. On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, detectives served a search warrant at a home in the 2300 block of Union Avenue. Evidence seized during the search linked the suspects to the crime and resulted in the arrests of a 15-year-old Alamogordo male and 18-year-old Ignacio Lopez, also of Alamogordo.

The juvenile was charged with:

• One count of Aggravated Burglary (Armed After Entering), a second-degree felony

• Seven counts of Larceny of a Firearm, third-degree felonies

• One count of Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Burglary, a third-degree felony

• Seven counts of Disposing of a Stolen Firearm, fourth-degree felonies

• One count of Unlawful Possession of a Handgun by a Person Under Nineteen Years of Age, a misdemeanor

The juvenile was transported to a juvenile detention facility pending District Court proceedings.

Ignacio Lopez faces the following charges:

• One count of Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Burglary, a third-degree felony

• Seven counts of Conspiracy to Commit Larceny of a Firearm, fourth-degree felonies

• One count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, a fourth-degree felony

Lopez was booked into the Otero County Detention Center and is awaiting his initial appearance in Magistrate Court.

On Friday, June 5, 2026, investigators recovered six of the stolen firearms. The investigation remains active.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Alamogordo Police Department Criminal Investigations Division or provide an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Otero County.

As reported by Alamogordo Town News.

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