Two quick-thinking employees helped police arrest a man Jan. 29 who attempted to rob an Española gas station.
Derrick Salazar, 18, of Española, was wearing a mask when he approached the RHOC Express on State Road 30 Jan. 29 at about 1:30 p.m., raising the suspicions of station manager Sharon Martinez, a police report states. She locked the door, preventing Salazar’s attempt to enter the building, as another employee called police and described Salazar’s Ford pickup truck, saying Salazar appeared to be headed to the rear of the building.
RHOC employees Trudy McCall and Wilda Lopez were in a back office, unaware of the attempted robbery when Española Police Cpl. Daniel Espinoza appeared on the scene.
“The officer had his gun drawn,” McCall said. “He asked us to get against the wall and then he searched the area and made sure it was secure and he told me and her to leave the facility.”
Meanwhile, officer Danny Pacheco located the suspect’s vehicle at the labor union parking lot on Guachupange Road, the report states. Salazar told police that he stowed the handgun used in the crime in a snow boot at his friend Andrew Martinez’s house on Calle Don Filigonio. Police found at the home not only the 9 mm handgun but also a camouflage mask and shooting glasses Salazar said he used in the attempted robbery.
Shooting glasses have polarized lenses and are used for accuracy in daytime shooting, Sgt. Christian Lopez said.
A full magazine of ammunition was also found with the gun, though no ammunition was chambered, according to court documents.
Salazar told police “his intention was to steal diesel and money from the RHOC but then he became scared off after he learned the clerk had locked the door and saw him,” according to court documents.
Salazar was charged with attempt to commit a robbery and tampering with evidence. He was released from jail Jan. 30 after posting a $10,000 surety bond. According to an online court records database, he has no prior criminal convictions as an adult.
Andrew Martinez was not charged with a crime.