Police look for armed robbery suspect
Grants man identified on video tape as Nick Garcia

A man identified as Nick Garcia of Grants entered the Allsup's on April 11 and held a sharp object to the clerk's throat. [Courtesy Photo]

By Jim Tiffin
Cibola County Bureau

GRANTS — Police here are seeking the public's help in locating a suspect in an armed robbery. A reward may be possible for any information leading to the arrest of Nick Garcia, 17, of 1312 Encino, Grants Police Lt. Corey Allen said.

Garcia was interviewed by police about an incident at 3 a.m., on April 11, when he allegedly robbed the Allsup's Convenience Store at 1012 E. Roosevelt Ave., by putting a sharp object, possibly a knife, to the throat of the clerk at the checkout counter, Allen said.

"We have him on store surveillance video coming in and out of the store twice. The second time he went in, 10 minutes after the first time, he turned his black sweatshirt inside out and put the hood up trying to cover his face," Allen said.

Police said Garcia allegedly committed the felony for $15 in the cash register.

Garcia is described as Native American, 5-7, 130 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt that had the writing "ZERO" on the front and blue or black pants.

The clerks at the store did not know his name but they knew his mother and where she lived, Allen said.

That prompted officers to go to her house that morning looking for Garcia. He voluntarily went to the police department for an interview by investigators, and admitted going to the store but denied robbing it, Allen said.

"We have him on video; we have his description; we have him coming in with his shirt turned inside out and his hood on his head trying to conceal his face a few minutes after first entering the store; the clerks told us they knew who it was, just not his name and who his mother was and where she lived; we have his walking pattern; and several other leads ... based on these facts we have a warrant for his arrest," Allen said.

Anyone with information on Garcia's whereabouts is asked to contact CrimeStoppers, at (505) 287-8400 any time day or night. Anyone who wishes to contact the police department is asked to call (505) 287-4404. All callers may remain confidential.

To contact reporter Jim Tiffin, call (505) 287-2197, or fax: (505) 287-2581.