Farmington man nabbed after high-speed chase

FARMINGTON — A 23-year-old Farmington man was arrested today on suspicion of armed robbery after a high-speed chase involving local and state law enforcement.

Lorenzo Martinez was taken into custody without incident at approximately 11:30 a.m. after the 25-mile chase.

Farmington police were dispatched at approximately 10:50 a.m. to the Power Wash at 2348 E. 20th St. in Farmington after receiving reports of an armed robbery, according to a press release from the police department.

The suspect allegedly robbed a 96-year-old man at gunpoint and fled the car wash in the man's vehicle, the release states.

A Farmington police corporal next spotted the vehicle at 11:05 a.m. near the Bisti Highway and Murray Drive, the release states. The corporal followed the vehicle southwest on the Bisti Highway and requested backup from New Mexico State Police.

New Mexico and Farmington police began to pursue the vehicle on County Road 7100 because of the danger posed by the suspect, according to the release.

The suspect fled south and then east on County Road 7100 before stopping his vehicle near the intersection of county roads 7100 and 7130 in Huerfano, the release states.

Farmington police spokeswoman Georgette Allen said the vehicle the suspect allegedly stole sustained minor damage in the pursuit.

Martinez was booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center on an outstanding felony warrant for failure to comply with the terms of his release in a 2012 burglary case, according to Allen.

Police referred charges against Martinez for armed robbery, aggravated fleeing and vehicle theft, according to the release.

Steve Garrison covers crime and courts for The Daily Times. He can be reached at 505-564-4644.