Car theft suspect allegedly leads police on car chase

Police arrested a man accused of stealing a car last month after he allegedly led them on a chase Wednesday along North Main Street.

Christopher “Chris” Berumen, 30, of the 1000 block of north Willow Street, is charged with Receiving or Transferring a Stolen Vehicle, Aggravated Fleeing from an Officer, and Resisting or Obstructing an Officer. He also faces a handful of traffic violations as a result of the pursuit.

Police also arrested Berumen’s passenger, Kristina Marie Sanchez, 37, because she had a municipal court warrant for failing to appear in court.

Officers pulled over a hand-painted blue Honda Accord near the intersection of Alameda Boulevard and Parker Road at about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Before officers could question Berumen, the driver, he allegedly drove away.

Berumen drove into the parking lot at 2489 N. Main St. where he allegedly hit a parked 2004 Cadillac Escalade.

Police said Berumen proceeded through the parking lot and around the shopping center before coming to a stop behind the building, where he allegedly exited the vehicle and tried running away.

Officers arrested him after a short foot pursuit. Sanchez remained at the vehicle.

Investigators learned the Honda was reported stolen May 3, 2016 in Las Cruces.

Berumen was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he is initially being held without bond. Sanchez is being held on a cash-only bond set at $1,000.