DEMING – On January 10, New Mexico State Police Crime Suppression Agents, along with Special Operations and Uniform Bureaus, made two significant arrests in Albuquerque, uncovering weapons and stolen vehicles.
The first arrest occurred near Montgomery and Wyoming. Agents tracked Steven Stewart, 36, to a Michael’s craft store after confirming he had a felony warrant for transferring a stolen motor vehicle. When Stewart exited the store, he ignored commands from officers and attempted to flee. He first tried to escape in his vehicle but quickly abandoned the attempt and ran on foot. Officers apprehended him shortly after.
During a tow inventory of Stewart’s vehicle, agents located a firearm, prompting them to secure a search warrant. The search, executed later, revealed two firearms and ammunition inside the vehicle. Investigators determined Stewart, a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing firearms. State Police are now working with federal authorities to pursue charges for being a felon in possession of firearms.
Later that evening, around 9 p.m., State Police agents, acting on information from the Albuquerque Police Department, identified another suspect near the Albuquerque Downs Casino. The individual, 53-year-old Dale Hinds, was linked to a stolen vehicle in the casino parking lot. As officers approached, Hinds fled on foot but was quickly captured. He was charged with resisting arrest and receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle.
Both suspects were booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center. These arrests highlight ongoing efforts by State Police to suppress violent crime and recover illegal firearms in Albuquerque.