On October 22, 2012, at about 3pm, officers responded to the Border Area Mental Health Office, located at 315 S. Hudson Street, in reference to a larceny complaint.

Upon the officers’ arrival, they were told one of the clients had stolen a purse from a person who had given the client a ride to the office. Upon further investigation the officers found that the suspect, Anissa L. Torres, 18, from Bayard, had a warrant out of Silver City Municipal Court for Failure to Appear.

Torres was placed under arrest. Torres showed the officers a brown compact case, which contained a small clear baggie. The baggie contained a white powdery substance, which tested presumptive positive for cocaine. Also found in Torres’ purse were items from the victim’s purse and a small clear baggie containing two prescription pills. Torres did not have a prescription for the pills.

Torres was charged with two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, both 4th degree felonies and Larceny, a petty misdemeanor. Torres was transported to the Grant County Detention Facility and booked in. Her bond was set at $10,891.

On October 23, 2012, at about 11:01am, officers of the Silver City Police Department responded to a shoplifting call at the Antique Mall, which is located at 205 W. Broadway Street. The dispatcher also said the owner of the business was chasing the shoplifter on foot.

The responding officers were able to locate the owner and the suspect three blocks south of the store, at the intersection of S. Texas and San Vicente. The owner pointed out the shoplifter, who was identified as Melinda Marquez, 33, from Silver City.

Marquez was arrested and charged with Shoplifting, a 4th degree felony, and two counts of Aggravated Assault, both 4th degree felonies. The Aggravated Assault charges stem from Marquez threatening the owner of the store with a knife while he was attempting to stop her and recover the stolen merchandise.

Marquez took a number of coins and paper money from a locked display case in the Antique Mall. The total value of the recovered items is approximately $1272.50.

Marquez was transported to the Grant County Detention Center where she was booked in. Her bond was set at $15,000. Additionally, Marquez was on probation and the New Mexico Adult Probation and Parole placed a hold on her for violation of probation.