Carlsbad police have arrested fugitive Jeremy Melendrez, who was wanted for multiple crimes. After a shooting incident, a SWAT team was activated, and Melendrez fired at officers before surrendering. Melendrez had active felony warrants and is accused of robbery, assault, and involvement in a cold case killing. He will now face new charges, including aggravated assault on a peace officer. Marilyn Upchurch reported
CARLSBAD, N.M. (KRQE) – After a violent shooting incident in Carlsbad, the police have successfully apprehended a wanted fugitive, Jeremy Melendrez. The authorities had been on the lookout for Melendrez, a 41-year-old with a long history of criminal activities and violence, since July.
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On Monday, around noon, the Carlsbad Police Department announced that they had arrested Jeremy Melendrez following an intense SWAT operation that lasted for several hours. Melendrez was wanted by both Albuquerque and Carlsbad police departments.
The incident began when a woman was shot in the vicinity of the 2100 block of Algerita. The suspect, later identified as Melendrez, fled the scene. However, the police received information suggesting that Melendrez might be present at another residence located just a few blocks away.
In response, a SWAT team was immediately activated. During the standoff, Melendrez fired multiple rounds at the officers, intensifying the already tense situation. Fortunately, after a prolonged confrontation, Melendrez eventually surrendered, allowing the police to take him into custody. Law enforcement officials expressed relief that this dangerous fugitive has been removed from the streets.
Carlsbad Police Department’s Captain, Jessie Rodriguez, emphasized the severity of Melendrez’s criminal past, stating, “This individual has been involved in multiple incidents throughout the course of his life where he’s put people in danger or caused injury.”
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Notably, this is not the first time Melendrez has had encounters with law enforcement or been involved in violent crimes. At the time of his capture on Monday, he had two active felony warrants against him. One of these warrants stems from the robbery of a Pizza Hut in Albuquerque on July 22nd. Two weeks later, Melendrez was spotted at an apartment building off Central, where he allegedly fired shots at security guards.
Additionally, Melendrez is linked to a shooting and stabbing incident that occurred in Carlsbad in early July. Furthermore, he was previously implicated in a cold case dating back to 2002, involving the murder of Sasha Hedgecock, a 14-year-old girl. Melendrez eventually pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and received a sentence of time served, followed by probation.
The current condition of the shooting victim from Monday morning remains unknown. Police have indicated that the incident appears to be a random act of violence.
Melendrez is already facing multiple felony charges related to his prior offenses. In light of Monday’s shooting, he will now face an additional 14 counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer.
The successful arrest of Jeremy Melendrez brings a sense of relief to the community, as they can now rest assured that this dangerous individual is no longer at large. The diligent efforts of law enforcement have once again proven their commitment to ensuring public safety..
