GRANTS, NM—A man wanted for a series of serious crimes, including criminal sexual penetration, or rape, was apprehended by the Grants Police Department after an extensive manhunt that involved significant community assistance. The suspect, Gregory Vaughn Santiago, 28, was captured early Tuesday morning after being found hiding in a shed near Mount Taylor Elementary School, since his capture the community has erupted in uproar over public safety.
The incident began in the early hours of Monday, August 12, when Grants police were called to the 1500 block of Donna Avenue in response to a report of a suspicious person.
A concerned neighbor noticed someone standing outside a nearby residence. Upon further investigation, the neighbor discovered a broken back window and immediately contacted the authorities.
According to Lieutenant Joe Galindo of the Grants Police Department, officers responded quickly and began an investigation that revealed Santiago had used an undisclosed item to break the window and gain entry into the home.
Once inside, Santiago allegedly assaulted the victim, whom sources report was in their 70s, before fleeing the scene.
'Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that Santiago used a rock to break the window and made entry into the home,' Lt. Galindo stated. 'The victim was assaulted, and we were able to gather crucial evidence that led us to Santiago.'
The police investigation, bolstered by surveillance footage obtained from nearby homes, quickly identified Santiago as the suspect. Authorities issued a bulletin warning the community that Santiago might be armed and dangerous. The alert prompted an outpouring of tips from residents, fearful and concerned, who played a key role in helping officers track down the suspect.
'The community's involvement was invaluable,' Lt. Galindo said. 'We received numerous tips and followed every lead. It was this cooperation that ultimately led to Santiago's arrest.'
Despite a late-night search on Monday, officers were initially unable to locate Santiago. However, the following day, a Grants Police continued the search and found Santiago hiding in a shed in an abandoned home near Mount Taylor Elementary School.
Santiago has been charged with aggravated burglary, criminal sexual penetration, and larceny. He is currently being held at the Cibola County Detention Center as the investigation continues.
The arrest of Gregory Vaughn Santiago marked the end of a tense 24-hour period for the community but did not put concerns to rest.
Following the arrest of Santiago, conversations across the city were prompted about public safety. Several members of the Grants community have shown the newspaper video footage from their at-home personal safety cameras of Santiago around their homes, including female staff of the Cibola Citizen.