ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Police are searching for 49-year-old Nathan Castillo, who is charged with arson after a fire damaged a Marshalls store in northeast Albuquerque.
The incident happened during an alleged shoplifting attempt at the Marshalls on Eubank. According to investigators, Castillo was confronted by store security when he reportedly set fire to the back of the store. Flames reached up to six feet and burned for several minutes before Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded.
Surveillance footage helped identify Castillo, who now faces a felony arson charge for damages estimated between $2,500 and $20,000. The store is temporarily closed, and no injuries were reported.
Castillo has a lengthy criminal history, including prior charges for shoplifting, battery, and trespassing. Prosecutors say this is his first arson charge and are now pushing for harsher penalties.
“This individual has been in and out of jail multiple times since 2023,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Jason Boone. “We’re reaching a point where treatment options may no longer be enough.”
Anyone with information on Castillo’s whereabouts is asked to contact Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers at (505) 843-STOP or text ‘ABQCS’ to 738-477.
Marshalls released a statement thanking Albuquerque Fire Rescue for their response and said they look forward to reopening once repairs are complete.
