ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Juan Aguirre, 30, of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court on Nov. 17 on charges of carjacking, attempted carjacking and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Aguirre will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Nov. 19.
According to a criminal complaint, on the morning of Oct. 12, detectives with the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) Gang Unit along with APD Gang Suppression Officers allegedly found Aguirre in a stolen pickup truck. At the time, Aguirre allegedly was in possession of a handgun. Aguirre has previous felony convictions for conspiracy to commit robbery, auto burglary, and conspiracy to commit auto burglary. As a previously convicted felon, Aguirre cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
That afternoon while in police custody, Aguirre allegedly became ill and requested to be transported to a hospital by ambulance. Once at the hospital, Aguirre allegedly walked out of the emergency entrance and through the parking lot. He allegedly approached an occupied vehicle parked next to an elementary school, insinuated that he had a gun, and demanded that the driver get out of the vehicle and leave the keys inside. The vehicle owner drove away before Aguirre could enter the vehicle.
Aguirre then allegedly approached another vehicle at a nearby preschool. As the victim got out of the vehicle, Aguirre allegedly demanded the keys. When the victim refused, Aguirre allegedly ripped the keys from the victim’s hand and took the victim’s vehicle.
On Oct. 14, Gang Unit detectives located and arrested Aguirre.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Aguirre faces up to 15 years in prison.
The FBI Violent Crimes and Gangs Task Force and APD investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Trembley is prosecuting the case.
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