News

It took a group effort, but an Albuquerque couple wanted for theft in Durango, among other jurisdictions, were caught and arrested last week in Cortez.

According to the Durango Police Department, Brandon Herrera, 35, and Jennifer Melendrez, 30, were wanted for several weeks after authorities suspected the couple of breaking into multiple vehicles, and then stealing and using credit cards.

After Herrera and Melendrez were reportedly seen in Durango, police circulated photos of the couple and their vehicle, a silver Kia Soul, on social media.

On Thursday, someone reported to authorities the couple were again in Durango and broke into more vehicles.

Around 4:30 p.m. Friday, a Colorado State Patrol trooper spotted the Kia outside Cortez and attempted to stop it. The vehicle fled, according to police, and evaded the trooper. A little later, a citizen spotted the vehicle in Cortez, and reported it to authorities.

The Cortez Police Department, the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado State Patrol located the vehicle and began a chase. Spike strips were used to stop the vehicle, and the couple were taken into custody without incident.

“It was an outstanding example of teamwork between agencies that could not have been accomplished without the help of awesome citizens in the area,” Durango Police posted to social media.

Calls to the Durango Police Department were not immediately returned Monday morning.

Herrera and Melendrez face multiple felony charges, extending to several jurisdictions. Police believe there are other unreported victims, and residents are asked that if their vehicle was broken into recently, to report it to authorities.

“We want to thank everyone who helped with this case.” Durango police posted. “All of our communities are safer today because of great work by both citizens and law enforcement.”