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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque police arrested 17-year-old Nathaniel Martinez after he allegedly shot a security guard at Coronado Mall on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred just before 1 p.m., near the Fuddruckers restaurant.
The situation began when employees reported a teen sleeping inside the restaurant to mall security. Upon arrival, security personnel woke the teen and escorted him outside, where an argument ensued. Martinez then backed away, turned towards the mall, and fired three shots at a security guard before fleeing the scene.
Officers quickly arrived, gathered a description of the suspect, and located him at a nearby bus stop. Martinez was apprehended behind a building on Louisiana Boulevard after being seen discarding a gun under a car. The firearm was later recovered by police.
The injured security guard, who sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the calf, was treated at a local hospital. This incident marks the fourth shooting at Coronado Mall within the past year, all involving juveniles with firearms.
APD spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos emphasized the recurring issue of youth gun violence and mentioned potential plans to implement ShotSpotter technology at the mall. Juvenile crime will also be a key topic at the upcoming governor’s town hall on public safety in Albuquerque.
Nathaniel Martinez faces multiple charges, including Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Aggravated Assault, Brandishing a Firearm, Shooting at a Dwelling or Occupied Building, Tampering with Evidence, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Resisting, Eluding, or Obstructing an Officer.
