Editor’s Note: This article has been updated. Click here the previous story.
After almost a month of chasing, the culprit behind breaking into Richie B’s through a window has been arrested. The story goes on about how he broke in through the window and stole a few items, but left a hole in the restroom while trying to get to what was next door.
The man behind the crime is Carlos Romero. The Albuquerque Police arrested him last Friday after an officer recognized him while he was driving along Central.
Chuck Ruiz, the owner of the pizza shop, expressed his satisfaction over the arrest of the culprit, saying we can feel a “little bit safer.”
“We can let the community know who this person is, and hopefully that keeps us all a little bit safer,” Ruiz said.
Last month, Romero broke into Richie B’s Pizza and stole credit cards, a phone, and some Ninja Turtle action figures on display. Police said the arrest was made after they traced stolen credit cards to the suspect. “I saw where it was used, and I went to that place myself,” Ruiz said.
The place was Big Moe’s Market off Fortuna. Romero was caught on surveillance video using stolen cards. The video was then sent to APD. “Cooperation from the victims and cooperation from the other businesses were able to put all the pieces together,” APD Commander Albert Sandoval said.
Romero is now charged with fraudulent use of a credit card (over $500 under $2500), theft of a credit card, attempt to commit fraudulent use of a credit card, and additional drug charges.
The Power of Community Support
Ruiz couldn’t be happier that Romero is behind bars, but what really blew him away was all the support he and his business got from the community. “We got the Ninja Turtles replaced by some customers. Yo Toys donated four Ninja Turtles to us,” Ruiz continued. “I’m all about community, and I do my best to go spread love. Out to the community to see it come back. It’s amazing. It makes me feel so good. And this is why I love Albuquerque.”
Now, he can finally do things he loves. The restaurant hasn’t technically had its grand opening yet, although it is open. Ruiz says the official grand opening will be in less than 30 days.