Man wanted for allegedly shoplifting and leading Las Cruces police on a chase is arrested

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico– Joshua Lopez, 25, was arrested and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Facility on Sept.16 after allegedly shoplifting and leading Las Cruces Police on a chase on July 27.

According to the criminal complaint, Myles Luciano and Joshua Lopez allegedly attempted to walk out of a Lowe's Home Improvement Store with an air conditioner without paying for the item.

When two store employees and an off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent tried to stop them, Luciano allegedly pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the employees and left in a vehicle.

It was later discovered that the pistol was a pellet gun.

Las Cruces Police officers found the car and attempted to stop Luciano and Lopez.

Luciano and Lopez allegedly led LCPD on a high-speed chase, ending in a parking lot on Telshor Boulevard where shots were fired.

The pellet gun was located inside the vehicle. If convicted, Luciano faces up to 20 years in prison.

Police say Lopez was driving the car and had to be taken to University Medical Center after the chase ended. Lopez was released from UMC on Aug. 3 and was wanted by police in both Texas and New Mexico.

Police arrested Lopez on Friday and booked him on eight separate charges, including battery, assault, and shoplifting.