What started as a heated argument over money in a quiet Santa Teresa neighborhood ended with two men in handcuffs and a homeowner claiming he was beaten and held at gunpoint, according to investigators.
Authorities say the confrontation began as a dispute over a payment and escalated quickly. The victim told investigators the suspects forced him into his garage, assaulted him, and held him at gunpoint before backing off and apologizing when he showed them bank deposit slips. Neighbors said they were shaken by the confrontation on Tuesday.
As reported by KFOX, the suspects were identified as 48-year-old Pablo Montoya Martinez and 31-year-old Pablo Martinez. According to the station, both are booked on multiple felonies, including kidnapping, aggravated assault, and residential burglary.
Official records
Doña Ana County's inmate roster confirms recent bookings tied to the incident on the 5830 block of Quail Drive, according to Doña Ana County. The county's detention pages serve as the public record for bookings in Las Cruces and surrounding communities.
How the confrontation unfolded
According to details in the arrest report, the men showed up claiming they were owed money; when the homeowner laughed and asked, "What money?" the argument allegedly turned physical, investigators say. The report states the suspects pulled the victim into a vehicle, beat him, and then forced him into his garage, where one suspect displayed a gun. Home surveillance video reportedly backed up the victim's account, according to KFOX.
What happens next
Both men remain in custody at the Doña Ana County Detention Center and are expected to appear in Doña Ana County court, where the online roster lists the felony charges against them. Future court filings and arraignment dates will determine the next steps in the case, while investigators continue reviewing evidence gathered during the response, according to Doña Ana County.
