Pursuit nabs suspected purse snatchers

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - One of four suspects busted after a purse snatching and chase Tuesday night is a man the district attorney tried earlier to keep locked up, according to a spokesperson for the DA.

Chris Montoya, 21, violated his probation last year and was placed on probation again despite the DA's efforts to keep him behind bars.

His original charges were battery and child abuse, a DA spokesperson said.

On Monday night police said Montoya and three others fled from police after an attempted purse snatching at the Home Depot in northwest Albuquerque near Cottonwood Mall.

Montoya, his sister Theresa, Carlos Acosta and Guadalupe Silva were soon arrested.

Officers said Theresa Montoya, 24, tried to rob Joanne Thomas, 75, in the parking lot of the Home Depot. According to court documents, Theresa Montoya walked up to and said, "Pardon me, ma'am," before grabbing Thomas' purse.

When Thomas yelled for help Montoya let go.

Police said a witness called 911 and stayed on the phone with the dispatcher as he followed the suspects from Home Depot a couple blocks away at a McDonald's off of Alameda. When an officer finally caught up with them, police said they were in the drive-through.

Police said the suspects led them on chase even hitting a patrol car to get away, until an officer disabled the car by bumping it into a spin.

The suspects were arrested. Thomas fell and hit her head after the attack, but was able to point out a suspect for police.

Police said one of the suspects admitted they were out cruising, looking for someone to rob so they could buy methamphetamine

Court records show Acosta also has a long criminal history. He's awaiting trial for drunken driving and drug charges.

The two women don't have long criminal histories.