Auto Theft Unit Spots a Stolen Truck
Two men from Arizona are facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after Albuquerque police say a stolen vehicle pursuit ended with an attempted escape through the Albuquerque International Sunport. According to a criminal complaint, the case began when officers with the Albuquerque Police Department’s auto theft unit identified a stolen truck making suspicious stops around the city and attempted a traffic stop with a marked patrol unit.
A 100 MPH Chase Through the City
Rather than pulling over, the driver fled at high speed, and police allege the truck was driven recklessly, including traveling into oncoming traffic. Air support was called in to help track the vehicle as it moved through Albuquerque, with the complaint stating the truck reached speeds of up to 100 mph during the pursuit.
Suspects Flee Into the Airport Terminal
The chase ultimately ended at the Albuquerque Sunport, where police believe the suspects made a last-ditch attempt to evade arrest by entering airport property. Officers pursued both individuals on foot into the terminal area, and police say the suspects resisted, requiring the use of force before both men were taken into custody.
Suspects Identified, One Claims No Connection to the Other
Police identified the two men as 20-year-old Ivan Cordova and 22-year-old Leonardo Montana, both from Arizona. Investigators say Montana spoke with officers after his arrest, telling them he had arrived in Albuquerque by Greyhound bus two days earlier, that he didn’t know Cordova, and that the two were driving around the city trying to buy an engine. During the arrest, police found Montana in possession of cocaine. Cordova declined to speak with officers.
Charges Filed
Montana was charged with possession of a controlled substance, receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle, resisting, evading or obstructing an officer, and conspiracy to commit a felony. Cordova faces charges including aggravated fleeing law enforcement, reckless driving, resisting, evading or obstructing an officer, receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle, and conspiracy to commit a felony. As with any pending case, both men are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.