The man suspected of breaking into and burglarizing an automotive parts store on Feb. 13 has been charged with the crime.
Justin Mitchell Elder, 35, of the 3000 block of Camino Real, is charged with three fourth-degree felony counts including non-residential burglary, tampering with evidence and larceny.
Shortly before 2 a.m. on Feb. 13, Las Cruces Police officers were dispatched to the report of a burglary at Rick’s Performance Center at 138 Wyatt Dr. Officers learned that someone broke through a front glass door, entered the store and stole several money bags from the business.
Images of the suspect were circulated on social media and police received numerous tips identifying the possible suspect. After further investigation, detectives were able to identify Elder as the suspect.
Detectives learned that Elder used a large rock to break into the store and then stole several money bags that contained cash and other documents. Elder indicated that he hid the money bags in an undeveloped area west of Las Cruces. With that information, detectives went to that location where they located and retrieved the stolen property.
Elder was arrested Feb. 17 for violating terms of parole and was already in custody when charges in this incident were filed against him. He was released from the Dona Ana County Detention Center on March 8 and is currently in the custody of the New Mexico Corrections Department.
Information from Las Cruces Police