Man Causes $6,000 Worth of Damage at Church During Standoff

Albuquerque –

A man was arrested following a SWAT standoff at New Beginnings Crestview, located at 301 Chama St. NE, on March 16 after breaking into the building and causing significant property damage. A criminal complaint says Allan Orton, 23, entered the church by forcing open a window on the south side of the property around 7 PM, and was captured on live video inside the main auditorium throwing items and damaging electronics and furniture.

When called to the scene for the report of a commercial burglary in process, officers established a perimeter and made public announcements urging Orton to exit, but he refused.

While the church’s alarm blared loudly, APD officers initially held position outside while K9 units were requested, during which time Orton continued to cause mayhem and destruction inside.

By 7:30 PM, no on-duty K9 units were available, prompting a call to on-call K9 teams.

Eventually, K9 units arrived and began clearing the interior of the church. Upon hearing officers entering the building, APD officers were advised that based on surveillance footage, Orton had fled from the main auditorium. Police and K9 units continued their search for Orton throughout the rest of the church.

A drone later confirmed that Orton had moved to the roof, where he again refused to comply with officers’ orders. Officers provided a ladder for access to the roof and issued another public announcement urging the subject to climb down.

After a period of time, APD’s SWAT team was called out. SWAT and Albuquerque Fire Rescue personnel deployed an additional ladder to contact Orton. He refused to follow officers’ commands, prompting the use of non-lethal measures, including a flash bang and a 40mm round, before he eventually surrendered.

Orton climbed down the roof via one of many ladders reportedly offered to him. Once off the roof, he initially resisted orders to lay on the ground but was ultimately taken into custody.

A search of Orton revealed an uncapped syringe and a tooter, a small straw used to smoke fentanyl.

The church pastor reported extensive damage, including two broken glass doors, the window used for entry, overturned tables, furniture, damaged computers and monitors used for the sound system, and various items thrown across the auditorium.

The pastor estimated the total damage at around $6,000 but noted that additional electronic equipment would need to be reconnected and tested to determine if it had also been damaged beyond repair.

Orton was reportedly ROR’d yesterday, March 17.

The church might be able to file a claim with CABQ Risk Management for the damages.