APD Discloses Identity of Armed Shoplifter Killed in Police Encounter

By: ABQRAW staff

Posted: 11/26/2023 @ 7:26PM

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Albuquerque –

The individual shot by an Albuquerque Police Department officer on the West Side Saturday afternoon has been identified as Pete Martinez.

On Sunday, APD officers and detectives were in the area for the “Sticky Fingers” retail crime operation. Officers were alerted by a Kohl’s department store loss prevention employee about a male and female involved in shoplifting over $1,000 worth of merchandise. The two suspects were confronted as they tried to exit the store through an emergency exit, leading to the detention of the female suspect, later identified as Monica Montoya. The male suspect, Pete Martinez, evaded officers by fleeing on foot.

As Martinez ran across the Barnes & Noble parking lot, officers challenged him and observed him brandishing a handgun. Martinez sought refuge in the Coldstone Creamery at the rear of the business. Officers prioritized customer safety by clearing the area. Martinez reemerged from the business, running north across NM 528 toward other establishments.

In front of a business, APD officers once again confronted Martinez, instructing him to drop his weapon. After a less-lethal weapon was discharged, another officer fired a gunshot. Despite attempts to administer aid, Martinez died from his injuries.

Subsequent investigations involved interviewing Montoya, who identified Martinez as her boyfriend. Montoya was subsequently booked into the Metro Detention Center on charges of shoplifting and conspiracy to commit a felony.