Las Cruces Police have filed a new charge in Magistrate Court against the man suspected of stealing a wallet from a woman who had just exited a local Walmart store.
Christian Sanchez, 48, is now charged with a petty misdemeanor count of larceny. LCPD detectives had originally charged Sanchez with felony counts of robbery and conspiracy but the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office dismissed those charges.
Sanchez’s girlfriend, 36-year-old Shana Kowalke, was originally charged with a felony count of conspiracy to commit robbery but that charge also was dismissed by the DA’s Office. She no longer faces charges in this case.
Officers were dispatched to the incident that occurred at about 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at the Walmart store on Walton Boulevard. Detectives learned that a 19-year-old woman was leaving the store, carrying a bag of ice in each hand, with her wallet tucked underneath one arm.
As she exited the store a man wearing a blue and white plaid shirt, later identified as Sanchez, approached from behind and ripped away the wallet from the woman. The victim gave chase as the suspect ran north into the parking lot.
The victim yelled for help and caught up to the man, striking him several times in the head. Bystanders helped detain the man until police arrived.
Detectives reviewed surveillance video from Walmart that indicates Sanchez and Kowalke were inside the store only a few seconds before Sanchez followed the victim outside. Detectives also have reason to believe that Kowalke helped Sanchez commit the crime by pointing out the victim.
Magistrate Court issued a warrant for the arrest of Sanchez. Once he’s detained, he’ll be held on a $2,000 surety bond.
Information from Las Cruces Police