Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
A burglary suspect being sought by the New Mexico State Police was arrested Friday by the Amarillo Police Department in Amarillo Texas.
John Michael Mitchell Jr., who was arrested for a probation violation by Amarillo police officers, was being sought for burglary charges, aggravated fleeing and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, said Capt. Jimmy Glascock.
Glascock said they were unable to locate Mitchell during a seven-hour search on April 4 by air and ground on U.S. Highway 54 near Logan. He said at 8 a.m., residents in Nara Visa reported a man later identified as Mitchell burglarizing the Nara Visa Truck Stop.
Glascock said the residents called 911 and described Mitchell and the 2005 Maroon Chevy Suburban he was driving.
Mitchell was traveling on U.S. Highway 54 when he encountered Logan police officers responding to the 911 call, said state police Lt. Lance Bateman.
Bateman said Mitchell led police in a pursuit on Highway 54 onto the Paula Shoenail Ranch, five miles northeast of Logan. He said the suspect abandoned the SUV and fled on foot.
Mitchell was not captured and the Suburban was towed to the state police headquarters in Tucumcari, where a search warrant was obtained.
Bateman said on April 5, officers received a report that Mitchell had stolen a vehicle from the ranch where he had evaded law enforcement. He said the vehicle was located on Monday at an apartment complex in Amarillo.
Glascock said the Logan Police department will file a felony warrant for fleeing and the state police will file warrants for burglary of a dwelling house, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, injuring or tampering with evidence and larceny less than $250. He said the courts would have to work out a scheduling to bring him back to Tucumcari for these charges.
