DEMING – A Las Cruces man is in federal custody following an armed robbery at First New Mexico Bank Thursday morning.
At approximately 9:04 a.m. on February 26, 2026, Deming Police officers were dispatched to the bank in reference to a robbery in progress. Initial information indicated a male suspect was inside the front lobby. A second call to Central Dispatch reported the suspect had left the bank and was walking on Gold Street, along with detailed descriptions.
Officers responded promptly and located the suspect a short time later. He was identified as 41-year-old Zachary Clay of Las Cruces, New Mexico. During the investigation and arrest, officers recovered a hatchet believed to have been used in the commission of the armed robbery.
Witnesses were interviewed and the scene was processed. Because the incident involved a federally insured financial institution, the case was determined to be a federal matter. The Federal Bureau of Investigation responded, took over the investigation, and has taken custody of Clay.
Authorities indicated the FBI plans to pursue federal charges. As of this writing, it is not known whether Clay is being housed at the Luna County Detention Center or the Doña Ana County Detention Center, as the charges are expected to be filed federally.
No witnesses or victims were harmed during the incident. Clay is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.