Las Cruces police arrested a man suspected of fleeing from police in a stolen vehicle Tuesday morning.
Manuel E. Holguin, 33, of the 600 block of Hummingbird Drive, just north of Las Cruces, is charged with fourth-degree felony counts of receiving or transferring of a stolen vehicle, aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer and two counts of tampering with evidence. He also faces a second-degree felony count of trafficking methamphetamine.
On the morning of Tuesday, July 20, a Las Cruces police officer located a 2006 silver Chevrolet Impala – a vehicle that was previously reported stolen – at the Motel 9, 245 La Posada Ln. A short time later, Holguin got into the Impala and drove out of the parking lot.
Investigators learned that a Las Cruces police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the Impala, but Holguin refused to pull over and, instead, eluded police at a high rate of speed. Police knew that Holguin lives on the 600 block of Hummingbird Drive so officers went to that area trying to locate the suspect.
About that time Holguin arrived nearby, exited the vehicle and led officers on a brief foot pursuit. Before he was taken into custody, Holguin discarded a small baggie that was later confirmed to contain 29 grams of methamphetamine.
New Mexico State Police assisted with the apprehension and investigation.
Holguin was arrested and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center.