Fake Target Employee Attempts to Escape Police Custody

What started as a retail theft investigation at a Target store in Albuquerque quickly turned into a tense confrontation inside a police substation. A man accused of pretending to be a Target employee was arrested after allegedly taking electronics from the store, but the situation became even more chaotic once he was taken into police custody.

THE FAKE EMPLOYEE SCHEME

On March 10, 2024, Albuquerque police responded to a Target store at 9371 Coors Blvd. NW after employees reported suspicious activity. Investigators said 22-year-old Curtis Vann was posing as a Target employee and attempting to gain access to areas where electronics were stored.

According to reports, Vann obtained access to a storage area and allegedly took five Xbox One consoles before leaving the store. Police also said he had previously worked at Target and was familiar with the store's procedures.

WHAT APPEARED TO BE A SIMPLE RETAIL THEFT CASE WAS ABOUT TO BECOME A MUCH MORE CHAOTIC POLICE INCIDENT.

AN UNEXPECTED ESCAPE ATTEMPT

After officers arrested Vann, he was transported to the Albuquerque Police Department's Northwest Substation for processing.

While being taken to the restroom, Vann allegedly saw an opportunity to escape. According to the criminal complaint, he pushed past officers and attempted to run through the station.

But the doors were locked.

HIS ATTEMPTED ESCAPE QUICKLY TURNED INTO A CONFRONTATION INSIDE THE POLICE STATION.

SUSPECT BARRICADES HIMSELF INSIDE

Vann reportedly ran into an evidence room and grabbed a chair as officers moved in. He then began stacking chairs near the doorway, attempting to barricade himself inside.

Officers tried to regain control of the situation, but authorities said Vann resisted and pushed officers. The criminal complaint also alleges that he grabbed an evidence-bag heat sealer and swung it toward officers while throwing punches.

The confrontation eventually escalated to the use of a Taser, allowing officers to restrain Vann and return him to custody.

THE ARREST BECOMES A SECOND CRIMINAL CASE

The incident resulted in additional allegations beyond the original Target theft investigation. Reports said Vann faced charges involving shoplifting, stealing a U-Haul, resisting arrest and battery on police officers. KRQE reported that six counts of battery on a peace officer were added following the confrontation at the substation.

AN ARREST THAT BEGAN WITH ALLEGED RETAIL THEFT ENDED WITH OFFICERS FIGHTING TO KEEP THE SUSPECT IN CUSTODY.