APD Detective was at Grocery Store with his Family
By Officer Tasia Martinez
APD Organized Crime Unit Detective J. Pelot was off duty at a grocery store with his wife and young child when he sprang into action to stop an armed robber.
Juan Martinez, 19, was captured by Detective Pelot shortly after he and another suspect robbed a 20-year-old man at knifepoint outside of Albertson’s, 6200 Coors Blvd. NW on Sunday.
Martinez was booked on felony charges including armed robbery, tampering with evidence and conspiracy and is being held on a $12,500 bond at the Metropolitan Detention Center.
The incident began at about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Detective Pelot saw two men fleeing at a sprint pace on foot through the parking lot. He quickly located the victim who told Detective Pelot that the two fleeing men had just robbed him at knifepoint. Detective Pelot asked his wife to stay inside their vehicle with their child and quickly pursued the fleeing suspects on foot with his badge displayed on a lanyard around his neck. He yelled for the suspects to stop and continually identified himself as an Albuquerque Police Officer.
Detective Pelot was eventually able to capture one suspect who was seen carrying all of the stolen property. Bystanders then assisted Detective Pelot in calling for additional police officers for assistance. All of the stolen property, including a Sony Playstation gaming device and Apple iPod were recovered and returned to the victim.
The APD Armed Robbery Unit has taken over this case and is continuing their search for the second offender involved in this incident. Please contact Detective Joshua Rogers, (505) 924-6000, with any information regarding the second suspect in this case.
