© 2024 KRWG
News that Matters.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Police Searching For Las Cruces Man In Connection With Armed Robbery

Police are asking for the public’s help locating a 19-year-old Las Cruces man believed to be responsible for an armed robbery that was preceded by a dangerous vehicle pursuit.

Las Cruces police learned that a 17-year-old boy found an iPhone X for sale, for $500, on the LetGo app. The teen contacted the seller, identified as 19-year-old Sabino A. Paez, and the two agreed to meet near the Pizza Hut restaurant at 2205 Missouri Ave.

When the two met about 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, to complete the transaction in the Pizza Hut parking lot, Paez was in the company of a 16-year-old girl, a 14-year-old boy and another juvenile. The 17-year-old prospective buyer was accompanied by a friend.

Investigators learned the seller, Paez, was armed with a handgun when he approached the 17-year-old’s car. The teenage prospective buyer told investigators that when Paez approached, Paez reached for the handgun and demanded to see the $500 cash. Paez then allegedly pointed the handgun at the teen and grabbed the teenager’s shirt through the car window.

The teen and his friend quickly drove away from the parking lot but noticed Paez’s vehicle chasing them as they headed toward Stull Drive. Investigators learned that on Stull Drive, multiple rounds were fired from Paez’s vehicle toward the victim’s car. The pursuit made several turns and ended up on La Fonda Drive where Paez rammed his 2011 silver Nissan Altima into the victim’s car, disabling it. Paez and two young men exited the vehicle with one of them entering the victim’s car, punching the victim and stealing the $500. The victim heard as the 16-year-old girl called Paez by name, telling him that it’s time to leave.

Police identified and located the 16-year-old girl and 14-year-old boy who accompanied Paez. The girl was charged with conspiracy while the 14-year-old boy is charged with conspiracy, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and shooting at or from a motor vehicle. The third juvenile has been identified and charges against him are pending.

Sabino A. Paez, 19, of the 5000 block of Inspiration Lane, is charged with armed robbery, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and one count of battery. Paez is 19, Hispanic, about 5-feet-9-inches tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward up to $1,000 for information that helps police locate Paez. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Paez can call Las Cruces Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Tips can also be provided through the Las Cruces Crime Stoppers app, “P3 TIPS.” The app is available through the App Store on most devices.

Those who provide tips through Crime Stoppers do not have to provide their own name and will remain completely anonymous.

Informtion from Las Cruces Police