Violent Repeat Auto Thief Sparks Epic Standoff with APD in Evening Traffic

Albuquerque –

On January 29, 2026, officers from the Albuquerque Police Department were in the area of southeast Albuquerque in connection with an investigation involving Kevin Baros, 30 of Albuquerque. We found out Baros is no stranger to law enforcement.

A dramatic felony stop near the 2500 block of San Mateo Blvd NE had undercover and uniformed officers trying to take Baros into custody.

According to the criminal complaint, Baros was driving an Acura RDX that was rented out in Rio Rancho on the popular car rental app Turo. The car was not returned under the agreed time, the renter claimed it was stolen from her in Albuquerque, and it began a criminal investigation into a stolen vehicle’s whereabouts.

On January 29 around 6 PM, the Acura was located at an apartment complex. Baros was then observed driving the stolen vehicle with a female passenger.

A plan was formulated to utilize a vehicle apprehension device known as the Grappler to stop the Acura. The Grappler was successfully deployed near the intersection of San Mateo Blvd. and Prospect Rd. NE around 6:25 PM. After the device was deployed, Baros attempted to flee by accelerating multiple times in an effort to break the tether of the Grappler device. He also reversed the Acura toward police units involved in the stop and attempted to accelerate forward while pulling the Grappler all over the place. When it became apparent he would not be able to escape, Baros exited the vehicle abruptly in an apparent attempt to flee on foot.

Officers deployed less-lethal force, including 40mm bean bag rounds, after Baros refused to show his hands and he was observed stupidly reaching toward his waistband for something. Baros eventually complied and was taken into custody without further incident.

Baros was evaluated by rescue personnel and he refused medical treatment. Baros had two active felony warrants. Baros was transported to the prisoner transport center.

Baros is now being charged with Aggravated Fleeing from a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting, Evading, or Obstructing an Officer. He has previous charges for Aggravated burglary (deadly weapon) and Burglary (dwelling house).

Baros has an extensive criminal history dating back to 2012, with more than twenty-five cases on record. At least eleven of those cases from 2012-2018 are listed as “file destroyed.” In many of the cases where files were destroyed, Baros pleaded not guilty and the charges were subsequently dismissed by the prosecutor (nolle prosequi). It is unclear what files destroyed refers to, but he seems to be lucky enough to have someone inside who is able to destroy his files.