Alamogordo man allegedly breaks into Las Cruces bank, gas station

Police say the Alamogordo man suspected of breaking into a bank early Monday morning crashed his vehicle into a nearby convenience store before he was taken into custody.

Joseph Kenton Allen, 50, of Marble Canyon Drive in Alamogordo, N.M., is charged with aggravated burglary with a deadly weapon, larceny over $2,500, commercial burglary, two counts of criminal damage to property, possession of burglary tools and larceny less than $250.

The alleged break-in happened at about 3:45 a.m. Monday. The bank was closed and no employees were on the premises at the time.

“From what we understand, he broke, probably using a rock, broke through a window at the bank and gained access that way,” LCPD Spokesman Dan Trujillo said.

According to police, Allen entered the Citizens Bank at 2841 N. Main St. and allegedly stole money from an unsecured drawer.

“We actually have video of him in the bank, going through the bank and taking an undisclosed amount of money,” Trujillo said.

Shortly after leaving Citizens Bank, Allen allegedly drove his vehicle through the front doors of the Shell gas station and convenience store at 2901 N. Main Street, just across the street from the bank.

Police said Allen damaged gas pumps and stole a small amount of money from the Shell.

Police were alerted to the burglaries by alarm companies. When officers arrived at the Shell, they located Allen inside the convenience store. Officers were able to take him into custody.

Allen was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he is currently held without bond.