EPPD: Las Cruces teenagers involved in West EP vehicle burglaries; caught with gun and drugs

Police officers in West El Paso arrested three Las Cruces teenagers allegedly involved in a vehicle burglary spree in West El Paso.

Police arrested Joseph Barela, 17; Leonardo Avalos, 17; and Saul Garcia, 18, the morning of Thursday, May 31, 2018.

The alleged vehicle burglaries happened in the 7300 block of Lakehurst and the 600 block of Cumbrian Lane in between three and five in the morning, police said.

Police initially responded to reports of an assault and a man with a gun early Thursday morning at the 7-11 store located at 701 S. Resler.

Officers attempted to stop a vehicle with several suspects allegedly involved in the altercation. Police said the driver of the vehicle initially refused to stop, but police officers were able to apprehend the suspects moments later.

Police identified Barela, Avalos and Garcia as the occupants of the vehicle. An investigation allegedly resulted in the recovery of a 9mm Taurus handgun and illegal narcotics: 9.62 grams of Tetrahydrocannabinols.

Police allegedly recovered stolen property inside the vehicle indicating the three teenagers had been involved in a vehicle burglary spree, police said.

Police charged Barela with Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon, Possession of Controlled Substance, and two counts of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Burglary of Vehicle). Barela’s bond was set at $27,500.

Police charged Garcia with Evading Arrest or Detention in a Motor Vehicle and two counts of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Burglary of Vehicle). Garcia’s bonds totaled $12,500.

Avalos was charged with two counts of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Burglary of Vehicle). His bonds totaled $10,000.00.