ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Albuquerque police video shows officers arresting two suspects at a northeast Albuquerque hotel after one of them took off running from the room. It started as a routine arrest on a warrant but quickly led to something much bigger. Police say during the course of their investigation, they found about $1 million worth of drugs.
“Albuquerque police, I got commands,” said an officer attempting to detain one of the suspects. “Face away from me bro. You are detained, you’re not free to leave. You attempt to run or to flee, force will be used against you. Stop. Grab the top of your shirt. Spin in a circle. Do it now.”
Albuquerque police say the situation began when officers spotted a vehicle at the Red Roof Inn, at the intersection of Menaul and University. They discovered the owner of the vehicle, Merena Perez, had felony warrants for a robbery and was staying at the hotel. That’s when they made contact with Perez, at her room and noticed drugs, weapons, and cash inside. A male was also inside the room, later identified as Xavier Garcia, who police tried to detain. That’s when Garcia fled on foot across the Menaul and University intersection.
“Step out,” a police officer commands Garcia. “There’s a gun. I do not feel safe with you in there. You’re not free to leave!”
Police used a drone to help locate Garcia across the street, near Crowne Plaza Hotel. He and Perez were arrested on their warrants. Police found a little more than $47,000 in cash, and almost 1,000 grams worth of drugs including heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl. In all, law enforcement confiscated 522 grams of heroin, 2,344 grams of cocaine, and 6,142 grams of fentanyl. They also found four firearms: three handguns, and one AK-47.
Additional charges are expected as detectives continue their investigation. They have also sealed the hotel room pending a search warrant.