Juan Aguirre, Carjacking, New Mexico 2023

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Juan Aguirre, 30, of Albuquerque, stood before a federal judge on Nov. 17, facing a barrage of charges after a violent spree that began with a stolen truck and ended in a desperate daylight carjacking attempt outside a preschool. Aguirre was slapped with federal counts of carjacking, attempted carjacking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He remains locked up pending a detention hearing set for Nov. 19.

The trouble started the morning of Oct. 12, when Albuquerque Police Department (APD) Gang Unit detectives and Gang Suppression Officers spotted Aguirre driving a stolen pickup truck through the city. Inside the vehicle, they allegedly found Aguirre in possession of a loaded handgun. Authorities say the firearm possession is illegal under federal law — Aguirre has prior felony convictions for conspiracy to commit robbery, auto burglary, and conspiracy to commit auto burglary.

Later that same day, while in police custody, Aguirre claimed he was ill and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. But instead of seeking treatment, Aguirre allegedly walked out through the emergency entrance and into the parking lot. That’s when he targeted a car parked near an elementary school, reportedly intimidating the driver by implying he had a gun and demanding they vacate the vehicle and leave the keys behind. The driver refused and sped off before Aguirre could get in.

Undeterred, Aguirre allegedly moved to a nearby preschool parking lot, where he approached another vehicle as a victim exited. He demanded the keys. When the driver refused, Aguirre allegedly ripped them from the person’s hand and drove off in the stolen car. Witnesses flagged down police, who launched a manhunt.

On Oct. 14, APD Gang Unit detectives tracked Aguirre down and took him into custody. Since then, federal prosecutors have moved swiftly. The FBI Violent Crimes and Gangs Task Force joined APD in investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Trembley is handling the prosecution.

A criminal complaint has been filed, but no convictions yet. Aguirre is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If found guilty on all counts, he could face up to 15 years behind bars. The case underscores the volatile mix of repeat offenders, illegal firearms, and brazen street crime plaguing parts of Albuquerque.

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