In Albuquerque, a man committed a bold and frightening crime by stealing two handguns from a Cabellas store in broad daylight. This type of crime has various negative consequences, both financially and in terms of public safety.
On October 27th, 2022, Ruben Gonzalez entered Cabellas shortly before noon and managed to steal two firearms, which is an uncommon occurrence in shoplifting cases. Fortunately, Cabellas’ loss prevention officers captured the theft on video, leading to a year-long investigation by the police. Eventually, a tip from another law enforcement agency helped identify Gonzalez, and he was apprehended last Friday.
The authorities are still searching for the stolen firearms, as their serial numbers could trigger alerts if found in the possession of law enforcement worldwide. This incident serves as further evidence of the significant impact of retail crime on New Mexico, with approximately 5,000 jobs lost, 37 million in tax revenue forgone, and up to 281 million in lost wages for workers affected by these crimes.
Beyond the economic implications, the safety and well-being of store employees and customers must also be considered, as they should have the freedom to work and shop without fear. The state has requested that Gonzalez remain in custody until his trial, with a hearing scheduled for tomorrow..
