Alleged shoplifter reportedly gave police his brother’s name when arrested
A man suspected of shoplifting from Walmart Sunday, identified himself as his brother and briefly escaped police custody, police said.
At around 10:00 a.m. Sunday, Las Cruces Police were dispatched to investigate reports of a shoplifter at the Walmart on 571 Walton Blvd.
Ruben Rincon, 24, allegedly left the store without paying for $597 worth of merchandise, including a computer, a digital TV converter and nine bandanas.
When a loss prevention employee confronted Rincon, the suspect left the shopping cart outside the store and walked across Walton Boulevard.
Police located Rincon at a nearby restaurant and the suspect initially identified himself as his brother. He was arrested and transported to the detention center. As the officer approached the jail, he noticed that Rincon had maneuvered his hands from behind his back, to the front. Rincon was then able to somehow open a door and escape from the marked police unit.
Rincon led officers on a brief foot pursuit before being taken into custody a second time. He was then transported to Memorial Medical Center for treatment of injuries he sustained during the apprehension. That’s where a nurse correctly identified the suspect as Ruben Rincon and not the brother he portrayed himself to be.
Rincon is booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center on three charges of shoplifting over $500, attempt to escape from an officer and concealing identity.
Police said Rincon also had an outstanding bench warrant out of Magistrate Court. Detectives believe the warrant is a possible reason why he identified himself as his brother. He is initially being held without bond.
