SANTA FE, N.M. — Two men were arrested early Friday morning after Santa Fe police say they broke into a storage container at a Lowe’s Home Improvement store and attempted to steal property from inside.
According to the Santa Fe Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Lowe’s location at approximately 1:51 a.m. after receiving a report of two men near the store’s loading dock and dumpster area. A caller reported hearing the sound of a grinder and observed one of the men wearing a headlamp.
When officers arrived, they say they approached the area discreetly and spotted a white truck parked behind the store. Police reported seeing two men run from a storage connex box and get into the vehicle.
Investigators later determined the storage container had been forced open. Officers found a padlock that appeared to have been cut with a grinder. Store management told police the connex box was used to store appliances awaiting recycling and had been secured before the incident.
During the investigation, officers located a refrigerator touchscreen belonging to Lowe’s in plain view inside the truck. A grinder believed to have been used during the break-in was also recovered from the vehicle.
Police arrested Victor Montano, 48, and Tyrone Martin, 53, both of Agua Fria Village.
The two men are charged with:
- Breaking and Entering
- Larceny Over $500
- Conspiracy to Commit Breaking and Entering
- Conspiracy to Commit Larceny Over $500
A woman who was inside the truck was also detained during the investigation, though police did not announce any charges against her.
The investigation remains ongoing.
