Las Cruces teens suspected of Auto Burglary Spree
Las Cruces Police said they arrested a pair of teenagers suspected of burglarizing several vehicles that were parked – and left unlocked – in the ‘Dale’ neighborhood between Spitz Avenue and Elks Drive.
Anthony Torres, 17, and 16-year-old Deacon Castillo are charged with one count each of aggravated burglary (armed after entering), conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary, possession of burglary tools, five counts of auto burglary and five counts of conspiracy to commit auto burglary.
A Las Cruces Police officer responding to the report of an auto burglary in progress found the two teens around 3 a.m. Wednesday on the 1000 block of Ferndale Drive. Nearby, the officer found a .22 caliber handgun that was determined to have been stolen from a vehicle on the 2900 block of Devondale Drive.
LCPD said it’s believed that Torres and Castillo ditched the loaded handgun under a bush about 10 feet from where the officer found the two.
So far, detectives have determined that Torres and Castillo are responsible for five auto burglaries that were reported Wednesday morning on Devondale, on the 1000 block of Ellendale Avenue, the 700 and 800 blocks of Hansen Avenue, and the 2800 block of Topley Avenue.
Torres and Castillo were found to be in possession of backpacks that were stolen from vehicles. Besides the handgun, the teens are suspected of stealing loaded magazines, electronics, purses, coins, a camera, pocket knives and a pair of binoculars.
There may be additional auto burglaries LCPD is not yet aware of so police are asking residents in those neighborhoods to check their vehicles and report any suspected burglary. Detectives are continuing their investigation and additional charges are possible.
Automobile owners are once again reminded to remove valuables from their vehicles or, at the very least, keep valuables secure or hidden from view. Drivers are also reminded to park vehicles with windows rolled up and doors locked.
Torres and Castillo were booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where they are initially being held without bond.
