The Rio Rancho neighborhood is in danger after brazen car break-ins

RIO RANCHO, NM – A search is underway in Rio Rancho for a group of teenagers who are angering neighbors.

A video shows the group violently breaking into a car with a thug while one of them points a gun directly at a house.

“It surprised me. I was angry, but most of all I was grateful that my husband didn’t immediately run away and get hurt by them. Because I’ve never experienced anything like this in Rio Rancho,” said Sandra Kelly.

Sandra still can’t believe this happened outside her Rio Rancho home Tuesday morning. Their security camera captured a group of teenagers pulling up and getting out of a blue car.

At least one of them is armed and points a gun at Kelly’s home, while another violently breaks into her car.

“I was woken up by the sound of them hitting a bat on the window and I knew immediately what it was,” Todd Kelly said. “There was a new element in this style, and that is the weapon. Have someone stationed with a gun pointed at the front door in case someone comes out.”

This happened in the Rivers Edge II neighborhood. Just a few houses away, someone broke into another car.

“I immediately called the police and they were there within minutes. It didn’t take long. “That’s what’s special about our police: They are there immediately when something like this happens and don’t hesitate,” said Sandra.

We contacted the Rio Rancho Police Department about the break-ins. A spokesperson for the department said it is actively investigating recent incidents involving armed youth breaking into vehicles.

They’re asking people not to leave anything in their cars and if anything suspicious happens to stay inside and call the police.

“I don’t get scared easily and that scared me because I thought if they were willing to go that far, who would they hurt? “You know, the next time they try, they’re going to go out there and they’re going to kill her,” Sandra said.

The Kellys are thankful no one was injured, but their biggest concern is the age of the suspects.

“This is worrying because it makes you wonder how they got into such a situation and what their influences are. Is it home? Is it family? Are they colleagues? All of the above, right? They were warlike,” Todd said.

You want people to see the video and be vigilant. Not only to catch the suspects, but also to prevent the possible worst-case scenario.