Albuquerque, N.M. — A New Mexico man is facing serious federal charges following an armed robbery at a local Circle K gas station that sparked a police chase and ended with gunfire.
Authorities say 23-year-old Gabriel Moralez allegedly entered the northwest Albuquerque Circle K on June 15 and robbed the store at gunpoint. Court documents recently unsealed provide new details about the robbery, the tense police pursuit, and the charges Moralez now faces.
The Robbery
According to investigators, Moralez walked into the Circle K late that night and brandished a firearm at the cashier. The employee, fearing for their life, complied with the suspect’s demands. Moralez allegedly ordered the clerk to hand over cash from the register along with several packs of cigarettes.
The cashier gave Moralez approximately $140 in cash along with eight packs of cigarettes. What Moralez didn’t realize was that the bundle of bills contained a hidden tracking device.
Quick Police Response
The tracking technology immediately alerted Albuquerque police to the movement of the stolen money. Officers responding to the robbery were able to quickly locate Moralez only a few blocks away from the convenience store.
Police attempted to apprehend him, deploying less-than-lethal rounds to subdue the suspect. These rounds are designed to incapacitate without causing fatal injuries, part of the department’s approach to reduce deadly encounters when possible.
The Pursuit Turns Dangerous
Court documents say the chase took a dangerous turn when Moralez allegedly began to raise a firearm toward the pursuing officers. At that moment, one officer, fearing for the safety of himself and others, discharged his rifle.
The bullet struck Moralez, stopping him before he could fire. Officers quickly secured the scene, disarmed Moralez, and provided medical assistance while awaiting paramedics. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and later released into custody.
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Facing Federal Charges
Following the incident, prosecutors announced that Moralez is being charged at the federal level. He has been indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a serious crime that carries significant penalties, including potential prison time.
Federal prosecutors often take over cases involving firearms in order to strengthen accountability for repeat offenders and reduce violent crime in communities. In this case, because Moralez had a prior felony conviction, federal law prohibits him from possessing a firearm of any kind.
Community Impact
The robbery and chase highlight the challenges Albuquerque faces as it grapples with rising concerns over violent crime. Incidents involving armed robberies, police chases, and gun violence have placed added pressure on law enforcement and the community.
For Circle K employees, the ordeal was a terrifying reminder of the risks faced by frontline workers during late-night shifts. Court documents emphasize that the cashier genuinely feared for their life, complying immediately when the weapon was drawn. That fear is shared by many employees working in convenience stores, gas stations, and other businesses that operate late into the night.
Law Enforcement Perspective
Albuquerque Police Department (APD) officials say the use of a firearm against officers escalated the situation dramatically. While APD emphasizes less-than-lethal tools to bring suspects into custody safely, officers must make split-second decisions when confronted with potential deadly threats.
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In this case, the decision to fire was described as necessary to protect lives. Police leadership has said that the outcome, while unfortunate, could have been far worse if the suspect had fired his weapon.
The Role of Tracking Technology
The swift resolution of the robbery was aided by the use of a money-tracking device hidden among the stolen cash. These devices, which resemble ordinary currency, allow law enforcement to trace stolen money in real time.
In this instance, the technology proved instrumental, allowing police to track Moralez down within minutes of the robbery and prevent his escape. Such tools have increasingly become part of crime prevention strategies for convenience stores and banks, serving as a deterrent to would-be robbers and an aid to law enforcement.
The Road Ahead for Moralez
As Moralez recovers from his injuries, his legal battle is just beginning. Federal firearm charges carry weighty consequences, particularly for individuals with prior convictions. If convicted, Moralez could face years in federal prison, in addition to any penalties related to the robbery itself.
The federal court system will now determine his fate. Legal experts note that cases involving felons in possession of firearms are taken very seriously, often resulting in lengthy sentences designed both to punish and to deter future offenses.
Broader Discussion
The case underscores broader discussions about crime, punishment, and community safety in Albuquerque and across the nation. Supporters of tougher federal enforcement argue that cases like this demonstrate the need for strict accountability when firearms are involved. Critics, however, continue to emphasize the importance of addressing root causes such as poverty, substance abuse, and lack of opportunity that often fuel cycles of crime.
For now, the Circle K robbery case remains a clear example of how quickly a routine night at work can turn dangerous, and how swiftly police must respond to protect both employees and the wider community.
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Conclusion
What began as a $140 robbery and theft of cigarettes escalated into a dramatic chase, a police shooting, and federal charges that could reshape the future of a young man already entangled with the justice system.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by convenience store workers, the dangers of firearms in the hands of convicted felons, and the challenges law enforcement faces in keeping Albuquerque safe.
As Moralez awaits trial, the case continues to resonate as one of many reminders of the importance of vigilance, accountability, and the pursuit of safer communities for all residents.
