2 Arrested In Las Cruces Armed Robbery

Las Cruces Police have arrested two men for their alleged involvement in an armed robbery that occurred Saturday afternoon.

Alfonso Rodriguez, 21, of the 2500 block of Sonrisa Loop, and Christian Perez Miranda, 19, of 2200 Holiday Ave., were each charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, tampering with evidence and concealing their identification. Rodriguez also faces one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and Miranda faces a contempt of court charge.

Shortly after 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 2, police were sentto the parking lot of the Save Mart grocery store at 495 N. Valley Dr. where two suspects displayed a handgun, and took jewelry and cash from a man as he sat in a vehicle. The victim called 911 and told officers that he last saw the men running toward the rear of the store.

A Las Cruces Police officer responding to the call observed a man who matched the description of one of the suspects entering a mobile home on the 1600 block of Mahaney Avenue. Upon further investigation the officer found Rodriguez in a bedroom of the mobile home and Miranda in a closet, attempting to hide underneath a pile of clothes, Las Cruces Police said.

The handgun Rodriguez allegedly used to commit the robbery and a large knife were located at the mobile home. Officers found Miranda carrying the cash taken from the victim and Rodriguez wearing the victim’s jewelry, police said.

Rodriguez was being held at the Dona Ana County Detention Center with bond set at $41,000. Bond for Miranda was set at $45,000.