Chief's overtime pays off at synagogue

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Two Albuquerque officers were on a bit of a different patrol Wednesday when they caught a car burglar in the act.

Officers Simon Drobik and Ramino Garza were hired by Congregation Albert as part of Albuquerque Police Department chief's-overtime program, a service businesses and neighborhoods can use to buy an officer's time for a little added security.

The two were watching the parking lot for Yom Kippur Wednesday afternoon when they heard a car alarm go off.

"At that time we walked over to the car and noticed the window was open," Drobik said.

They also spotted a teen running away toward some bushes. He dropped a purse along the way.

Officers caught up to the 17-year old suspect and found plenty of loot including three wallets and two smartphones. Drobik said they soon discovered the phones and purse had been stolen from the SUV.

It turns out the SUV's window was left open making it all too easy for the teen.

"For him it was absolutely just a crime of opportunity for him to reach in and take that property," Drobik said.

This isn't the first time Drobik has made an impact working chief's overtime. Last week KRQE News 13 reported he stopped a burglary before it could happen while working for the Huning Castle Neighborhood Association.

In Wednesday's case, Drobik said he and his partner were doing what they're paid to do.

"We're making sure things like this don't happen, and they did happen," Drobik said. "We got him in custody so it ended well."

The teen was arrested on charges of auto burglary and tampering with evidence. He was on probation for burglary at the time. Officers say they also found the synthetic drug spice on the teen.