Thief makes off with dangerous laser

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A crook out for pricey loot took off with powerful and potentially dangerous medical equipment, a laser Albuquerque police said can cause serious damage.

The doctor who reported the items stolen told detectives the equipment is for laser acupuncture to treat pain and swelling.

Detective Tasia Martinez said if it's misused it can cause some serious pain.

“It can cause blindness or permanent eye vision issues or even skin damage,” Martinez said.

The equipment was stolen from a doctor's office parking lot on Menaul Boulevard NE near Juan Tabo in February. Police said the doctor was loading the trunk of her car when a man pulled up, grabbed a green bag and drove off.

“It’s her belief that the thieves took the bags out of her trunk not realizing what they were stealing,” Martinez said.

Martinez added they got a surprise when they opened it up to find that it was medical equipment and not electronics like laptops.

The theft has also left patients waiting for care.

“She's not able to treat the medical needs of some of her clients because she no longer has this equipment,” Martinez said.

Police are looking for a man believed to be Hispanic and in his 30s. He was driving a black older-model Chevy Yukon.

Detectives said the serial numbers from both pieces are now in a national database. So, if someone tries to sell them to a legitimate buyer they will show up as stolen.

Police said it is a crime if someone scratches off the serial numbers.