Armed Teens Cause Mall Lockdown-Linked to Auto Break-Ins

While officers were actively investigating the burglaries, an officer was dispatched to the mall at 9:45 a.m. on April 22, 2023, to investigate two incoherent juvenile subjects. While checking on the juveniles, one was found to have blood all down the front of their pants, and the other was observed to have a handgun in their waistband. When the officer arrested the first juvenile with the handgun, the second fled and hid in a nearby store. As a safety precaution, the mall was put on emergency lockdown.

From Farmington Police:

Friday, April 22, 2023

The Farmington Police Department has made arrests in connection with a recent string of auto burglaries that occurred on the night of April 21, 2023. During the investigation, officers found a large amount of blood on some of the broken-into vehicles and confirmed that there were two stolen firearms.

While officers were actively investigating the burglaries, an officer was dispatched to the mall at 9:45 a.m. on April 22, 2023, to investigate two incoherent juvenile subjects. While checking on the juveniles, one was found to have blood all down the front of their pants, and the other was observed to have a handgun in their waistband. When the officer arrested the first juvenile with the handgun, the second fled and hid in a nearby store. As a safety precaution, the mall was put on emergency lockdown.

Further investigation revealed that the first juvenile was in possession of one of the stolen firearms from the auto burglaries. The second juvenile was found at Dad's Diner about 20 minutes later with the second stolen firearm. Both juveniles are now in custody. We also learned that they possessed a stolen vehicle and crashed it on Sunrise Parkway near the Pinion Hills Golf course and fled on foot before officers arrived.

The Farmington Police Department reminds everyone to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. We appreciate the quick response of our officers in catching these individuals and the cooperation of the mall during the lockdown.

The investigation is still ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact non-emergency dispatch at 505-334-6622.