ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque police arrested a wanted felon and assisted in the rescue of more than 100 cats this week during an investigation that ultimately led to a garage fire in southeast Albuquerque.
According to the Albuquerque Police Department, officers first encountered Christopher Hart on Oct. 27 after responding to a suspicious vehicle blocking an alley near Ross Avenue Southeast and Cornell Drive Southeast.
Police said Hart initially refused to identify himself. After confirming his identity, officers discovered he had four active warrants, including three felony warrants for residential burglary, receiving stolen property, and probation violation, as well as a misdemeanor battery warrant. Hart was arrested and his vehicle was towed.
The following day, officers returned to the area to investigate an old bus believed to be associated with Hart that was parked behind a residence at 1701 Cornell Drive Southeast.
While checking the bus, officers reported detecting a strong odor and discovered a large number of cats living inside. Police said one cat was found deceased and many others appeared to be in distress.
Investigators learned the bus and cats allegedly belonged to Hart’s girlfriend, although the resident contacted by officers declined to identify her.
Officers also observed cats moving in and out of a detached garage on the property and requested assistance from Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department personnel.
While Animal Welfare officers worked to gather the animals, a fire broke out inside the detached garage.
Authorities said neither police officers nor animal welfare personnel had entered the backyard before the fire began.
Albuquerque police immediately evacuated nearby homes while Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded and brought the fire under control. The blaze destroyed the detached garage and a vehicle parked nearby.
No injuries to residents, firefighters, police officers, or animals were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Albuquerque Fire Rescue.
Animal Welfare officers removed more than 100 cats from the property.
Officials said four orphaned kittens that required bottle feeding were transferred to Route 66 Emergency Veterinary and Specialty Hospital for specialized care. Another cat was found dead at the scene.
The rescued animals are now being housed at the city’s Westside Animal Shelter, where they are receiving medical evaluations and treatment.
Initial assessments indicate many of the cats were underweight and suffering from upper respiratory illnesses. Several also showed signs of eye injuries or damage.
Officials estimate that 10 to 20 additional cats may still be on the property, and efforts to safely capture those animals remain ongoing.
The animal cruelty and neglect investigation remains active.
Officials said the case is currently being investigated under probable cause with an unknown owner because the individuals present at the property were not identified as the owners of either the bus or the animals.
Animal Welfare Director Carolyn Ortega said the department’s immediate focus is caring for the rescued animals.
“Our top priority is the health and recovery of these 100 cats,” Ortega said in a statement.
Meanwhile, code enforcement officials have secured the residence while investigators work to determine the cause of the fire.
