A woman suspected of embezzling a vehicle from a friend tried to escape police custody Monday morning.
Adria R. Salazar, 20, is charged with one count each of embezzlement of a motor vehicle, escape or attempt to escape from a peace officer, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.
Las Cruces Police learned that the owner of a 1990 silver Dodge Dynasty loaned the vehicle to Salazar at around noon on Sunday, Aug. 24, with the understanding that she return the vehicle later that afternoon or evening.
Salazar never returned the vehicle so, at around 4 a.m. Monday, the owner reported the incident to police.
A Las Cruces Police officer located the vehicle, with Salazar behind the wheel, shortly after 7 a.m. The officer made contact with Salazar and placed her in custody in the back of his police unit.
Salazar complained that she was thirsty so the officer arranged for water to be brought to her. When water was given to Salazar, she used the opportunity to run away from the police unit. The officer gave chase and apprehended the woman within about 40 yards.
Salazar was subsequently found to be in possession of small amounts of heroin and methamphetamine. She was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center with bond set at $5,000.
Information from Las Cruces Police