The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office has released new details into what led to the Sept. 22 deputy-involved shooting of Abel Soto of Colorado and named a second suspect as Johnny Maestas of Aztec.
Maestas, 35, was arrested Oct. 2 and charged with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, auto burglary, robbery and aggravated burglary.
The charges are in connection to an alleged Sept. 18 home invasion at a residence west of Bloomfield.
“The victim, a 76-year-old female, reported that a male with long hair knocked on her door. He stated he was sick and asked her for a ride,” according to the news release.
The woman refused to give the man a ride and closed her door, but he “pushed his way into the room” and then, “forced her to give him the keys to her vehicle and drove away in the stolen vehicle,” the news release stated.
The woman notified the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, and an investigation began. Deputies located the woman’s vehicle, reportedly being driven by Maestas, who claimed he was given the vehicle by “Raider” also known as Soto, 43, of Shoshone, Colorado.
“Raider was determined to be Abel Soto and was a felon believed to be in possession of a firearm,” the release stated.
“Our patrol and detective division worked tirelessly to locate and arrest both suspects who have been preying on our community,” Sheriff Shane Ferrari said, adding both Maestas and Soto have “extensive criminal histories to include crimes of violence spanning over several years.”
During the investigation, sheriff’s detectives learned that Maestas was the suspect in the home invasion. They found out his address was 1234 Aztec Blvd., so at 2 p.m. Sept. 22 they went to the home to make contact with Maestas.
Soto initially answered the door, but then closed it and reportedly refused to cooperate with detectives. “Based on the stolen auto investigation and felon in possession of a firearm concern, a search warrant was secured, and additional detectives and deputies responded to surround the residence,” the news release stated.
Authorities attempted to persuade Soto to exit the home, but he reported “made threats to fight with police and blow up the mobile home he was in,” according to the release.
When Soto did exit the home, he was approached by law enforcement and reportedly “brandished a knife,” Sheriff’s Office officials said.
“Soto was given many opportunities to peacefully surrender but chose to threaten our deputies’ safety,” Ferrari said. “After less lethal options used were ineffective, we had no other choice but to use deadly force.”
Soto was struck with one bullet and was flown to a Albuquerque hospital for treatment. He survived and was release from the hospital the next day and was booked into the Bernalillo County Jail.
“This adds to Soto’s long list of poor life decisions. I want to thank our deputies for putting their safety at risk while safeguarding our community,” Ferrari said.
Maestas was arrested at the same residence on Oct. 2 and is in the San Juan County Detention Center. Authorities say he “admitted to entering the elderly victim’s home and obtaining her vehicle by force” and also reportedly told detectives he gave the stolen vehicle to Soto.
Soto has been charged with a third-degree felony aggravated assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon.
The San Juan County Regional Officer Involved Shooting Task Force is investigating the shooting and its findings will be reviewed by the San Juan County District Attorney’s Office.
