Posted By: ABQ RAW Staff
Posted On: 02/13/2024 @11:20 AM
UPDATED: 02/14/2024 @3:20 PM (added information from court hearing on 2/14/24)
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Julian Enriquez Vargas Booking Mug from February 13, 2024
Albuquerque –
On Monday, February 12th, 2024, residents residing near Charleston and Bell, as well as Charleston and Trumbull, were kept awake for most of the night due to the presence of the Albuquerque Police Department’s helicopter, Air 2, as well as APD officers, APD’s SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Teams, and Albuquerque Fire Rescue was in the vicinity.
It started around 10:00 PM when APD officers were dispatched to 449 Charleston Ave SE in response to a family dispute call. The caller reported that her son, later identified as Julian Enriquez Vargas, was setting fires inside the residence, and had threatened her with a knife. According to the criminal complaint, the caller also stated that her son, Julian, had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
When officers arrived on the scene, Vargas’s mother stated that her son had been setting fires inside the residence, as well as turning on the gas and water. She mentioned that he had also threatened her with a knife and his behavior was becoming increasingly aggressive.
Police officers positioned themselves at both the rear and front entrances of the home to establish contact with Vargas. They began making announcements at the front door, informing Vargas that he was under arrest and instructing him to vacate the premises. Vargas, noticing the presence of officers, attempted to leave through the rear door, where he encountered additional law enforcement personnel.
While stationed at the rear of the residence, APD’s Air Support (Air 2) observed Vargas hurling objects, including a broom, towards officers before re-entering the premises.
At approximately 10:30 PM, officers at the scene began to detect the smell of smoke, raising concerns that Vargas might have ignited a fire inside of the apartment. Several officers subsequently observed smoke, prompting APD to request Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) to stage at Charleston and Bell. Ultimately, it was established that another property in the vicinity was ablaze, not the apartment where the police activity was occurring.
Following approximately 30 minutes of broadcasting public service announcements, APD officers approached the front door to gain entry. Although the door was unlocked, Vargas had obstructed it with a sofa. Despite this obstacle, an officer managed to open the door and witnessed Vargas emerging from what seemed to be the bathroom, heading towards the front entrance. As officers retreated, Vargas attempted to hurl glass, albeit unsuccessfully, but succeeded in throwing a plastic bucket towards them. Despite repeated advisories of his arrest, Vargas remained highly agitated, miming a finger gun gesture. Subsequently, Vargas closed both a security door and the main entrance, plunging the residence into darkness. Shortly thereafter, officers observed him barricading the doors and windows with various items.
The officers persisted in making announcements while establishing a perimeter around the apartment in anticipation of obtaining an arrest and search warrant. Around 1:55 AM, we received an email from APD that the SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Teams were being activated to aid in dealing with the barricaded individual.
At 3:42 AM, we heard from APD’s sworn PIO Chase Jewell that the individual had been taken into custody. Julian Enriquez Vargas was booked into MDC this morning at 8:03 AM for Aggravated Assault Against a Household Member. Vargas was also arrested on:
· 01/15/2024 for Battery (household member)
· 12/18/2023 for Assault Against a Household Member
· 07/03/2023 for Battery (household member) and Interference with Communications
· 03/17/2023 for Battery (household member)
· 11/05/2022 for Battery (household member)
· 09/17/2022 for Battery (household member), Criminal Damage to Property (Over $1000), and Battery (household member)
· 11/28/2018 for Battery (household member)
· 08/30/2018 for Aggravated Battery (misdemeanor) (household member) and Assault Upon a Peace Officer – Attempted Battery
· 08/15/2018 for Battery
· 03/21/2016 for Armed Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, and Aggravated Assault (Deadly Weapon)
It is unknown if Vargas’s mental health diagnosis is a factor in Vargas going to trial, but we also noticed that in at least three of the charges that were dismissed (on 07/03/2023, 03/17/2023, and 11/05/2022), the prosecution was unable to proceed with their case because the family member involved did not want to participate. Two additional charges (12/18/2023 and 01/15/2024) were dismissed today, February 13th, 2024. However, there are no specifics as to why the charges were dismissed, the notes on NM Courts says “DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE.”
UPDATE:
The charges from 2/13/2024, went before Judge Gonzales today, February 14, 2024. It appears as though the courts are requesting records before proceeding.
At the time of this update, Julian Vargas is still being held at MDC.
If we learn more information on this case, we will update you.
Julian Enriquez Vargas Booking Mug from January 15, 2024