APD SWAT team arrests man who fled from police at West Side school

Thursday, May 25, 2023

ALBUQUERQUE – APD SWAT officers arrested 41-year-old Thomas Howell after a SWAT stand-off at a West Side home.

An APD school resource officer initially contacted Howell at 11:20 a.m. today at Chamiza Elementary School, located at 5401 Homestead Cir., N.W. The officer responded to reports that Howell was acting suspicious. Howell was also at the school on Tuesday looking for his son, who was there at the time.

A second APD officer arrived at the school today and officers determined that Howell had a warrant for his arrest. As they attempted to take Howell into custody, he escaped and fled on foot into a nearby neighborhood. Officers pursued Howell as he jumped several fences and ran through yards. He eventually climbed through a window and into a home.

As officers set up a perimeter and called for Canine and SWAT officers, they learned the elderly homeowner was still inside the home where Howell broke in. Officers breached the front door and successfully escorted the woman to safety.

The SWAT team deployed and worked for several hours to get Howell to surrender. Officers eventually located Howell hiding in the attic and took him into custody shortly before 7 p.m.

Howell was arrested on his felony warrant related to a domestic violence incident. Howell will also be charged with breaking and entering, and aggravated fleeing an officer.

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