Corrales Heights juvenile arrest detailed in report

RIO RANCHO — A teen arrested last week in Corrales Heights was detained for more than just holding a gun.

The Rio Rancho Police Department confirmed Oct. 31 that a juvenile was taken into custody Oct. 30 for illegal gun possession.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. Oct. 30, RRPD officers responded to a report of armed subjects in the area of San Juan De Rio.

“Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile who was found to be illegally in possession of a firearm,” Public Information Officer Nick Army wrote in an email.

A report detailed more of what happened that night.

Preston Adams, 16, of Albuquerque, was arrested Oct. 30 for aggravated burglary with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful carry of a gun by a person younger than 19 in the 300 block of San Juan De Rio Drive.

According to a initial report narrative by RRPD, a 911 caller stated there were five males armed with firearms at the residence. When police got there, they saw multiple people outside the house. A male they tried to talk to, despite police commands, ran inside.

At the same time, the victim and homeowner came out to talk to police, saying someone was inside with a firearm.

While setting up a perimeter, police saw a young man run out the back of the house. They detained him and confiscated a 9 millimeter-style assault rifle from his waistband. Police identified him as Adams.

Once all was clear, the victim told police that an unknown white, thin-built juvenile male had arrived at her residence. She said she asked the teen who invited him to the party, at which time he began backing away from her and pulled an AR-style rifle from his waistband and racked it. She described the AR-style rifle as a black rifle with a drum magazine. She said she feared for her life when the male subject pulled the rifle and racked a round into the chamber, and she feared for all the guests she had in her home.

Adams admitted to being at the party but could not confirm whether he knew anyone at the party or who had invited him. He was found close to a backpack in which police found multiple alcohol containers. Adams admitted to taking multiple alcoholic beverages from the house when he heard that the police had arrived.

Adams declined to speak with the officers any further. Additionally, he did not provide truthful information about his guardian, so the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department was contacted. They identified Adams’ father as Matthew Adams who was contacted and made aware of the situation.

When police searched Adams, they found a bag with a white substance in it as well.

Adams was taken to Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention. He could face more than 10 years in prison if he is convicted. Jail time also depends on if he is tried as an adult or juvenile.