LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Las Cruces police arrested two teenagers early Thursday who are suspected of stealing multiple vehicles and attempting to burglarize three cannabis businesses during an overnight crime spree.
The suspects, ages 16 and 17, each face multiple charges, including two counts of attempted commercial burglary, one count of non-residential burglary, three counts of criminal damage to property, one count of larceny, one count of possession of a stolen vehicle, and seven counts of conspiracy.
According to police, officers were first dispatched around 2 a.m. Thursday to an attempted burglary at Pecos Valley Production on North Roadrunner Parkway.
Investigators say the second burglary occurred at Top Crop on East Lohman Avenue, where the teens allegedly forced their way inside and stole merchandise.
The third attempted burglary targeted Pecos Valley Production on South Locust Street. Police said security bars prevented the suspects from entering both Pecos Valley locations.
Investigators believe the teenagers stole at least three Hyundai vehicles during the night and attempted to steal a fourth.
One of the stolen vehicles, a Hyundai Santa Fe, was later found abandoned near Pecos Street and Foster Road. Officers established a perimeter and, with assistance from a K-9 unit and a drone, located and detained both suspects.
Police recovered merchandise reported stolen from Top Crop inside the vehicle and in two backpacks found near where the teens were apprehended.
The investigation remains ongoing, and Las Cruces police say additional charges are possible.
by John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications, LLC – John@bravomic.com