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Phillip Candelaria -
Desirae Montano
GRANTS, N.M. – While America was celebrating Independence Day, the law enforcement across Cibola County spent the long holiday weekend bringing down criminals and keeping the roadways safe.
On Monday, July 2, the Grants Police Department Street Crimes Unit apprehended two suspects, Phillip Candelaria and Desirae Montano. Candelaria had allegedly been absconding from justice for over a year. The Street Crimes Unit put their detective hats on and went to wor after uncovering enough evidence to acquire a search warrant.
According to Grants Police Department’s Lieutenant Jeff Marez, it’s believed that Montano and Candelaria hid in a closet when the Street Crimes Unit moved in and knocked on the door to execute the search warrant.
“Sometimes [suspects] try to make themselves look small to hide from us,” Lt. Marez said.
Despite attempts to hide themselves, Candelaria and Phillips were both arrested. Candelaria, who after a yearlong run from the law, was brought to justice on the charges of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon; Larceny; Theft of a Credit Card; Burglary of an Automobile. He was also found in possession of methamphetamine, adding another charge to the year-long laundry list. Montano was arrested on a federal warrant; the specifics of the warrant were not available at press time.
On Independence Day GPD made 14 arrests, with several arrests preceding and succeeding the actual holiday.
“Nothing out of the ordinary,” Lt. Marez said, “A few DWIs – the normal stuff really picked up.”