Shoplifter threatens bicycle officers with hatchet

By Nicole Perez / Albuquerque Journal Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: Friday, September 19, 2014 at 9:43 am

Police say an Albuquerque man brandished a hatchet at two bicycle officers after he shoplifted from a southeast gas station Thursday.

Alejandro Silva, 28, was charged with aggravated battery on a police officer.

Police were called to the Circle K near Central and Western Skies Thursday after employees said Silva left the store without paying. The employees said when they tried to stop him, he threatened them with a hammer.

When officers arrived on their bikes, they saw the man standing in the parking lot yelling at them, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court.

Officers went up to him to try to talk to him, but Silva pulled out a hatchet and raised it above his head. The officers pulled out their guns, and Silva fled toward Central. One of the officers followed him on his bike, and after crossing Central, Silva pulled out the hatchet again and started running toward the officer. The officer pulled out his Taser, and Silva fled again. He dropped the hatchet and fell into a nearby bush, the complaint states.

He was detained and taken to the hospital when he had a panic attack, and was charged with aggravated battery on a police officer and booked into the county jail on $15,000 bail.

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