More teens arrested in Las Cruces shooting range theft

LAS CRUCES – Two more teenagers have been arrested and charged in the November break-in at a shooting range in the middle of town.

Las Cruces police announced that two 16-year-old boys were arrested – one last week and one on Dec. 8 – in connection with the incident in which a stolen car was used to crash through a gate and into a shooting range where masked burglars entered the business and stole firearms. As of Thursday, six defendants, all minors and thus unidentified, had been charged in the case, after the initial four were arrested on Nov. 24. LCPD reported that the initial arrest led to the recovery of several firearms, but details remained scarce as the investigation was ongoing.

The defendants are a 14-year-old, two 15-year-olds and three 16-year-olds. Each has been charged with aggravated burglary with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary, breaking and entering, criminal damage to property exceeding $1,000, larceny involving firearms exceeding $2,500, tampering with evidence and unlawful possession of a handgun under the age of 19. One of the 16-year-olds arrested last month also faces a charge of receiving stolen property valued between $2,500 and $20,000.

At about 2 a.m. Nov. 22, police said a stolen Kia Forte crashed through the rear gate and a roll-up dock entrance at Strykers Shooting World, a business featuring a shooting range, firearms instruction and rentals for on-site use, located in the 400 block of South Valley Drive. 

The car was abandoned and the burglars left the scene, with weapons taken from the business, in another stolen vehicle. The business’ alarm drew the attention of a patrol officer who arrived after the burglars had left. LCPD is investigating the case in collaboration with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Based on video evidence, police said as many as eight people were involved – and that more arrests were possible as the investigation continues. In a news release, they sought tips and information from the public about the incident or the suspects by way of Crime Stoppers of Las Cruces and Doña Ana County at 800-222-8477.