The Albuquerque Journal
HERNANDEZ, N.M. — Members of the Agua Sana Volunteer Fire Department in Hernandez, Rio Arriba County saw something disturbing when they reviewed surveillance video of their station from the night of April 16.
There was a man inside the station and authorities later discovered a break-in and two chain saws, a water pump and a portable generator had been taken. “He (the suspect) made a couple of trips in and out of the building,” said Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Lt. Randy Sanches.
Fire chief Alfredo Montoya reviewed the surveillance video and then a volunteer firefighter reviewed and recognized the man in the video as living close to the station, said Sanches.
Deputy Joey Aquino reviewed the tape on his own time, said Sanches and obtained a search warrant and arrest warrant for Loren Salazar, about 50, of Hernandez. Salazar was arrested Saturday night and charged with two counts of burglary, one count of larceny and one count of breaking and entering, according to Sanches.
“The officer (Aquino) who took the initiative to do this, did this on his day off,” said Sanches.
The equipment, which was recovered, is valued at $5,000, said chief Montoya. “It’s not very often we are lucky enough to get (stolen) equipment back,” said Montoya.
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