RR man arrested for property damage involving arson

RIO RANCHO — A man was arrested for property damage involving arson.

Danny Velarde Jr, 43, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for negligent arson and criminal damage to property in the 1100 block of 26th Street.

When responding to a report of property damage, the homeowner told a Sandoval County Sheriff's Office deputy they installed surveillance cameras due to ongoing issues with her neighbor, identified as Velarde.

At about 2:30 a.m., the homeowner told police, an individual approached the fence line of her residence and began yelling, "Knock knock anybody (expletive) home." The individual then began striking the fence with a hammer, according to the complaint. The individual stated, "You're going to get your crib burned down." 

The individual further yelled, "This is Danny Velarde, (expletive) you," and "I have a hammer in my hand, and I'm going to beat someone's head in." The individual also stated, "I'm going to stand here until the Sheriff's Department gets here. I'm the only deputy on duty today. It's Velarde." The individual continued, stating, "The next time I come back here, I'm going to use gasoline instead of paint remover, and I'm going to break all the windows on all the vehicles and use all the gas."

The homeowner believes Velarde will again attempt to set fire to the residence and cause harm to them and their family. They said Velarde did not have permission to be on their property and requested a restraining order.

According to the homeowner, deputies were dispatched to the same residence Dec. 21 regarding an attempted arson. During that incident, a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the residence, causing damage to the exterior wood trim and melting plastic piping leading into the electrical box. Deputies reportedly followed footprints from the scene of the arson to the residence of Velarde.

Surveillance footage showed Velarde struck the windows of the homeowner's cars with a hammer. 

Based on previous experience with Velarde and positive identification from the surveillance video, the deputy noted it was clear Velarde was the culprit.

The damage to both vehicles and the residence was estimated to be more than $1,500.

If he is arrested and convicted, Velarde could face three or more years in prison.

SCSO has been contacted for clarification of Velarde's statements that he was "the only deputy on duty."