Las Cruces police arrest 15-year-old for alleged armed robbery at local store

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- Las Cruces police arrested a 15-year-old boy who officers believe to be responsible for the armed robbery at a local Dollar Tree store that took place May 15.

Police are not identifying the suspect since he is a minor. He's been charged with two counts of armed robbery and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The night of the incident, officers responded to 1701 E. University Ave. When officers arrived, they said suspect used a semiautomatic handgun during the robbery. He allegedly used the gun to threaten two employees before fleeing with cash from the store’s register.

According to detectives, the suspect stole a handgun from a car parked at the Mesilla Valley Mall shortly before the robbery. Detectives said that suspect matched the same physical description of the armed robbery suspect. Officers said other evidence obtained during the investigation also linked the teenager to the armed robbery.

The teenager was arrested Tuesday afternoon. He was booked into the juvenile section of the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he will be held until his first court appearance.