APD Auto Theft Unit Arrests Seven for Bait Car Thefts

ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department’s Auto Theft Unit recently arrested seven individuals for stealing city-owned bait cars.

July 13, 2024    

Auto Theft detectives responded to a bait car activation along Tramway Blvd. N.E. Two males were seen getting into the car armed with a handgun. K-9 units and Air Support assisted, tracking the vehicle as it recklessly drove Downtown.

The driver was identified as Jordan Marquez, 19 and was taken into custody with the assistance of a police K-9 after fleeing from the vehicle. His passenger who also took turns driving the car, fled in another vehicle but has been identified as Josiah Arvizu and a warrant has been completed for his arrest.

Marquez has been charged with Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle, Unlawful Carrying of a Deadly Weapon, Aggravated Fleeing, and Resisting and Evading. The firearm he was using was located with the assistance of Air Support.

July 18, 2024    

Auto Theft Detectives responded to a bait car activation in the Southeast Area Command along Central Avenue.

The driver, identified as a minor male, was observed in possession of a firearm. The vehicle was electronically disabled and the driver fled on foot at San Mateo and Central. The firearm in his possession was recovered and JPO was contacted and accepted the male into their facility.

The minor was arrested for Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle, Unlawful Carry of a Deadly Weapon, Tampering with Evidence, Criminal Damage, and Evading on Foot.

July 19, 2024    

Auto Theft detectives received a bait car activation in the Foothills Area Command. Detectives responded to the area and identified Dakota Helmick as the driver of the bait car. Surveillance was conducted on the vehicle with the assistance of Air Support officers and their drones.

The driver picked up a female, Monica Zamora near Mountain Road. Monica entered the driver seat and Dakota entered the passenger seat and the vehicle went mobile out of the neighborhood.

Auto theft, air support, and Foothills officers got behind the bait car and the vehicle was disabled in the area of Morris and Bellamah. Both Helmick and Zamora were arrested without incident and discovered to both be on active probation.

Helmick was booked for Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle, Auto Burglary, and a probation violation warrant. Zamora was charged with Receiving and Transferring a Stolen Motor Vehicle and a probation violation warrant.

Auto Theft Detectives also worked an operation on July 18, and another three individuals were arrested for bait car thefts:

• Albert Ramirez
• Evelyn Salas
• Randy Gallegos

Video of the bait car thefts can be found here.