Robbery Suspect Terrorized Pharmacist with a Handgun
By Officer Tasia Martinez
Albuquerque Police have made an arrest in connection with the November 3rd robbery of a local CVS Pharmacy (9640 Menaul Blvd.). Phillip James Tafoya, 42, is being held on a $250,000 bond at the Metropolitan Detention Center on armed robbery charges as well as an additional controlled substance trafficking charge on a separate $15,000 bond.
These charges came after 5 days of investigation and efforts to locate the suspect who was caught on camera stealing prescription pills at gunpoint from the CVS Pharmacy. The successful identification and apprehension of Tafoya was the result of efforts by the Armed Robbery, Undercover Gang and Northeast Field Units of the Albuquerque Police Department.
Northeast Field Units worked to identify the suspect using the surveillance footage circulated by the Armed Robbery Unit. Armed Robbery worked with witnesses and informants, conducting interviews and photo arrays to piece the investigation together. The undercover APD Gangs Unit joined in the search for Tafoya who was identified as a career criminal and known gang member.
On Thursday, the undercover Gang Unit located and apprehend Tafoya who was hiding from authorities. Armed Robbery Detectives interviewed Tafoya and worked closely with the District Attorney’s office to secure an arrest warrant.
Phillip Tafoya has been the focus of numerous criminal investigations in the past. A Metropolitan Detention Center search shows Tafoya has been arrested for numerous theft-related and violent charges dating back to the early 1990s.
Robbery Detectives will continue to work closely with the District Attorney on this case and continue this ongoing investigation.
