Arrest warrant details Harris Jewelers axe burglary

RIO RANCHO — A man has a warrant out for his arrest after he allegedly broke into Harris Jewelers with an axe and stole jewelry.

Tony Madrid, 64, of Rio Rancho, ISs charged with aggravated burglary, larceny and criminal damage to property in an incident Nov. 10 at Harris Jewelers across from Turtle Mountain on Southern Boulevard.

Police note in an affidavit for arrest warrant that they have made several attempts to collect evidence through warrants tying Madrid to the crime. This included search warrants for his home, car, phone and other belongings. They also attempted to get DNA from Madrid, but he declined to cooperate. However, they say Madrid matches the height and weight of the suspect captured on video surveillance of the incident. They also found the truck at the scene belonged to Madrid.

According to the report, the suspect stole more than $6,000 in watches from the jeweler. The most expensive watch is priced at $1,195. The suspect reportedly used the axe to smash the front door and several cases in the store.

The store owners told police there was a delay in the alarm system notification to them and the crime occurred almost an hour before they were notified.

When officers interviewed Madrid, he said the truck seen on surveillance is his truck but that a worker of his, his son and grandson use it and that it's a company truck. He told police he had been going through a hard time. Police note that Madrid changed his story when being interviewed, saying at first that he had the key to the truck and later that he had lost it.

The son and grandson told police they did not use the truck that day. They also spoke with the worker and determined they were not involved.

A judge approved the arrest warrant Jan. 27.

If Madrid is arrested and convicted, he could face more than 18 years in prison.