Busy car thief worked border, APD says
Takedown at La Cueva High School

Last Edited: Wednesday, 04 Feb 2009, 9:59 AM MST
Created On: Tuesday, 03 Feb 2009, 11:15 PM MST

Reporter: Maria Medina
Web Producer: Bill Diven

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A man police believe runs cars stolen in Albuquerque to Mexico is back in jail where he may stay a while longer this time.

Officers said they caught Andres Pacheco Flores, 26, just after he broke into three cars Monday night.

"Three vehicles in 10 minutes," Albuquerque Police Department Lt. Harold Prudencio told KRQE News 13.

Pacheco and a friend broke into an SUV at the Chili's restaurant near Wyoming Boulevard and Paseo del Norte NE and stole what they could, according to the criminal complaint.

Officers in an unmarked car then followed the pair as they headed to nearby La Cueva High School where police said Pacheco had broken into two trucks.

After a short chase police arrest Pacheco and his partner.

Prudencio said Pacheco is not just a car burglar, he has made a career out of stealing cars in Albuquerque and then selling them in Mexico.

Police arrested him seven months ago for three vehicle thefts.

"He was actually deported to Mexico, but he crossed the border illegally and started stealing vehicles again," Prudencio said.

An immigration spokeswoman said her agency is looking into Pacheco's status. However the Metropolitan Detention Center reported that immigration put a hold on him, which means he cannot get out even if he posts bond on Monday night's charges.

A witness named Kyle, who didn't want his last name released, said his truck was one out of two parked at La Cueva that Flores had broken into. He said he watched as officers cornered in the parking lot minutes later and arrested him.

"He (Pacheco) was just sitting on the curb laughing," said Kyle. "I honestly think he thought he was just going to jail for the night and walk out tomorrow."

Pacheco was still smiling later when he posed for his latest mug shot, but he may not be laughing long.

He's listed as one of APD's worst five property crime offenders this month. Prudencio said he plans to use that to convince the district attorney and the courts to hit Pacheco hard.

"Hopefully, we keep this guy locked up, and then once he's released, you know, he gets deported," Prudencio said.

www.krqe.com