Known Criminal Leads New Mexico Police On High-Speed Chase In Stolen Camaro

37-year-old Joseph A. Gutierrez, who was out on bond in a drug trafficking case, led New Mexico State Police on a high-speed chase exceeding 140 mph in a stolen Chevrolet Camaro. The pursuit, which began on Interstate 25, involved reckless driving and nearly resulted in a collision with another vehicle. The chase ended when Gutierrez crashed into a tree near milepost 331 and fled on foot, leaving behind a vehicle containing fentanyl and an empty gun holster.

Watch a cop try chasing a Polaris RZR through the woods here.

This incident, occurring on September 26, led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Gutierrez, marking his fourth active warrant. Previously, Gutierrez was arrested in Las Vegas for driving a stolen truck loaded with methamphetamine and fentanyl pills. Despite a $50,000 cash-only bond set by Judge Christian Montaño in August, the conditions were later amended to an unsecured bond, leading to Gutierrez’s release days before the high-speed chase.

Gutierrez’s criminal record includes charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in San Miguel County, stemming from a dispute over a missing dog. Additionally, he faces charges in Bernalillo County for possession of controlled substances and aggravated fleeing from law enforcement, with an arrest warrant issued for failing to comply with court-ordered Pretrial Services check-ins.

The latest charges against Gutierrez are severe, including being a felon in possession of a firearm, trafficking controlled substances, aggravated fleeing of law enforcement, and false imprisonment, all felonies. He also faces misdemeanor charges of tampering with a motor vehicle, evading an officer, and multiple traffic violations. The police’s ongoing search for Gutierrez highlights the complexities and challenges of managing individuals with extensive criminal histories and the risks posed to public safety.