APD, State Police Arrest 6 Auto Thieves in Separate Incidents

The Albuquerque Police Department is trying to make some headway into the city's auto theft problem. Here's a release from APD and the State Police saying they arrested six auto thieves on Thursday.

ALBUQUERQUE – Officers with the joint APD and State Police Auto Theft Reduction operation arrested six people on Thursday, including two prolific auto thieves, and charged them with several felony crimes.

“We are taking a comprehensive approach to fighting crime in Albuquerque,” said APD Chief Mike Geier. “Our partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, including the New Mexico State Police, are showing success as we make an impact on crimes like auto theft.”

“The New Mexico State Police is dedicated with our partners in targeting these thieves victimizing our community,” State Police Chief Kassetas said. “We will continue working to keep Albuquerque safe and to hold criminals accountable for their actions.”

Police arrested Adolfo Valenzuela, 24, and Omar Manzanilla, 34, after the two men were spotted driving a stolen vehicle near Central and Unser. The New Mexico State Police air support followed the vehicle as the men drove erratically to a parking structure at Lovelace Hospital in Downtown Albuquerque. Auto detectives arrived at the parking structure as the driver of the stolen vehicle ran and jumped over the railing, falling 40 feet in an attempt to escape. Both men were apprehended and arrested for receiving/transferring a stolen motor vehicle 3rd offense, conspiracy and other warrants.

Valenzuela was arrested two days prior to Thursday’s incident, and Manzanilla was arrested by auto theft detectives on April 15 at a chop shop.

The joint Auto Theft Reduction unit also arrested four people on Thursday after officers observed them in a stolen vehicle, driving into a Walmart parking lot at Rio Bravo, S.W. Officers observed the occupants of the stolen vehicle break into two vehicles in the parking lot, before they moved in and arrested them. Cesar Munoz, 20, Adolfo Loera, 23, and Cinthya Bencomo, 18, were charged with receiving/transferring a stolen motor vehicle, auto burglary, conspiracy to commit 4th degree felony, attempt to commit a 3rd or 4th degree felony, tampering with evidence, and possession of burglary tools. Ericka Pino was arrested for embezzlement of a motor vehicle.