One of the men suspected in Thursday’s armed robbery of a local smoke shop was identified by store management as a former employee.
Former Employee Suspected in Armed Robbery of Smoke Shop
One of the men suspected in Thursday evening’s armed robbery of a local smoke shop was identified by store management as a former employee of the business.
Oscar Angel, 50, of the 1500 block of east Idaho Avenue, is charged with one second-degree felony count of armed robbery and one third-degree felony count of conspiracy.
About 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, Las Cruces police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery that occurred at Southwest Vape, 1128 S. Solano Dr. Officers arrived to find an employee who was still partially tied with rope but otherwise uninjured.
The employee told police he was closing the shop, just prior to 9 p.m., when two masked men forced their way into the store. One of the men was armed with a handgun that he used to threaten the employee. As one of the suspects tied up and held the gun to the employee, the second suspect broke into the cash register and stole an undisclosed amount of currency. The two suspects also stole a safe that had been bolted to a counter.
Upon reviewing surveillance video, LCPD investigators determined that one of the suspects removed the mask that covered his face. After removing the mask, he walked in direct view of one of the store’s surveillance cameras. Upon seeing the video, employees and management of Southwest Vape identified the suspect as Oscar Angel who used to work at the store.
Investigators obtained a search warrant and went to Angel’s home. At first, Angel refused to exit the home but finally did after about 20 minutes. During an interview with police, Angel initially denied knowledge of the armed robbery and indicated he was home at the time the crime was committed. Investigators searched the home and found shoes, jeans, gloves and the hoodie worn by one of the robbery suspects.
Angel then provided a second statement to police in which he acknowledged his involvement in the armed robbery. Anyone with information that helps police identify the second suspect is asked to call (575) 526-0795.
Angel was arrested and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he is initially being held without bond.
Address/Location
Las Cruces Police Department
217 E Picacho Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 575-528-4112
Las Cruces
Police
[email protected]
575-526-0795