On 11/05/2023, shortly after 7:00 PM officers of the Belen Police Department responded to a residence in the 500 block of North 5th Street in reference to a home invasion robbery that had just occurred. Upon arrival Officers discovered that an elderly female had been held down and pepper sprayed by two masked intruders who had entered her home through an open window. After subduing the female, the subjects located her car keys and departed the residence, stealing her vehicle.
A “be on the lookout” (BOLO) was broadcast statewide for the vehicle, with a request that if located to stop and hold for Belen Police.
On 11/07/2023 shortly before 11:00 AM, investigators were contacted by Isleta Police Department. Investigators were advised that acting on the BOLO, Isleta police officers stopped the vehicle at the Chical Haystack in Isleta. Investigators were further advised that Isleta Police had 5 people detained. Investigators responded to the location and took the five people into investigative detention. They were transported to the Belen Police Department for interview.
Upon interviewing the subjects, investigators were able to obtain sufficient probable cause to charge two of the five subjects with home invasion robbery along with several other associated offenses. Both subjects are juvenile offenders, and their names will not be released at this time.
The Belen Police Department would like to thank the Isleta Police Department for their assistance in this case.
Chief James Harris