EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – A murder suspect wanted in Santa Fe, New Mexico was arrested Saturday, Aug. 10 in Las Cruces after allegedly committing an armed robbery at a local fast-food restaurant and carjacking a vehicle with a female accomplice, according to the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD).
At about 6:30 p.m. Saturday, officers learned of an armed robbery that occurred at the Arby’s located at 2341 E. Lohman Ave., according to LCPD.
LCPD said officers learned a man and a woman entered the restaurant where the man pointed a firearm at an employee and demanded money.
After leaving the restaurant, the suspects allegedly forced a woman out of her vehicle at gunpoint at 2305 E. Lohman Ave. Shortly thereafter, the stolen vehicle crashed near Missouri Avenue and Triviz Drive and the suspects fled from the crash, according to LCPD.
LCPD located and arrested Zachary Ryan Babitz, 38, nearby but his female accomplice has yet to be identified or located.
The woman whose car was stolen was not hurt, Las Cruces Police said.
Babitz was booked in the Doña Ana County Detention Center where he is being held on a warrant from Santa Fe that charges him with a felony count of murder, robbery, felon in possession of a firearm and parole violation, according to LCPD.
Babitz, who was released from prison in March 2024, still faces several felony charges for incidents that occurred in Las Cruces, local authorities said.
LCPD is still investigating the incidents that occurred in the city.
In Santa Fe, Babitz is wanted for the fatal shooting of Gordon Peter Wilson, 83, that happened Tuesday, Aug. 6, according to LCPD.
LCPD also said they learned the car the suspects drove to the Arby’s restaurant was reported stolen out of Albuquerque.
Babitz’s female accomplice was last seen on the 2400 block of Missouri Avenue in Las Cruces. LCPD said it appears she cut her hair, a braid, to avoid being recognized.
Anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of the woman who was with Babitz is asked to call Las Cruces Police at (575) 526-0795.
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