More Than 20 Cases Have Been Solved
By Officer Tasia Martinez
Ten robbery fugitives have been placed behind bars this month thanks to collaborative efforts within and even outside of the Albuquerque Police Department. The arrests solve more than 20 robberies from the Albuquerque area.
The arrests include interstate serial armed robber, Christopher Perea. Perea was wanted in at least three states for a string of armed robberies, 12 of which occurred in Albuquerque. Robbery detectives worked closely with federal law enforcement to track Perea who was ultimately arrested by an APD Field Services officer, ending the nationwide manhunt.
APD has worked closely with other New Mexico agencies to capture suspects as well. In the case of Latasha Olson, wanted for a purse snatching here in the metro area, she was apprehended in Gallup after APD coordinated her apprehension with Mckinley County and Gallup law enforcement officials.
“These arrests go a long way to keeping our streets safe,” said Albuquerque Police Violent Crimes Commander, Chris Bakas, “this is the result of a lot of hard work of numerous officers from several agencies and the community.”
Crime Stoppers played an instrumental role in the location of the wanted bandits. Isaia Carrillo, wanted for the armed robbery of a local Bob’s Burger’s restaurant, was located through a Crime Stoppers’ tip. He was tracked and apprehended by the APD Repeat Offender Project Unit following the tip. His capture is credited to the cohesive efforts between vigilant community members, Crime Stoppers and the Special Investigations Division of APD.
Detectives also say that forensics has played a key role. They credit APD Crime Lab with identifying carjacking suspect, Leo Saiz, after Saiz was positively identified by a fingerprint match.
APD Violent Crimes Division hopes to see the arrests continue as law enforcement and the community work together to keep Albuquerque safe and take these career criminals off the streets.
