A couple accused of stealing a vehicle in northeast Albuquerque instead drove off in an Albuquerque Police Department bait car, which investigators claim recorded them as they searched for more vehicles to burglarize before officers arrested them.
Police identified the suspects as Adrian Prevatt, 29, and Kaylyn Reynolds, 26.
According to the Albuquerque Police Department, the couple allegedly stole the vehicle from the parking lot of an apartment complex on Lomas Boulevard NE at about 4:45 a.m. June 29. APD officers, however, used a bait car equipped with hidden audio and video devices to monitor the vehicle’s movements.
Investigators allege Prevatt and Reynolds drove through parts of northeast Albuquerque looking for unlocked vehicles.
Video released by APD appears to show the pair rummaging through backpacks and discovering cash, gold, silver, and firearms, according to police.
The footage also allegedly captured the pair discussing what to do with the bait car and the items they had taken. Police said they eventually drove the vehicle to an apartment complex on Utah Street NE, where they planned to abandon it.
Officers moved in and arrested both suspects without incident, using police K-9 units as they took them into custody.
Prevatt and Reynolds each face charges including unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, burglary of a vehicle and receiving stolen property, along with additional offenses.
A judge later ordered both released on their own recognizance Thursday while they await future court appearances. The charges against them have not been adjudicated, and they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.