Inset: Josiah Armijo (Metropolitan Detention Center). Background: The Spirit Halloween store located at 2103 Carlisle Blvd. Northeast in Albuquerque, New Mexico (KOB/YouTube).
In a shocking turn of events, a retail outlet typically associated with joy and entertainment became the scene of turmoil when a suspected shoplifter was fatally shot by the store’s security personnel, as reported by officials.
Josiah Armijo, aged 25, faces charges of second-degree murder following the death of 41-year-old Chase Beltramo, according to a press statement from the Albuquerque Police Department.
The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Thursday at the Spirit Halloween store located at 2103 Carlisle Boulevard Northeast in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Beltramo allegedly collected several store items and exited without making a purchase, prompting Armijo, the store’s security guard, to take action.
Armijo’s response was swift and decisive.
According to police, Armijo tackled Beltramo, pushing him against a metal pole before both fell to the ground, leading to a scuffle. While pinning Beltramo, Armijo reportedly struck him with what appeared to be his fist, as detailed in a criminal complaint acquired by Law&Crime.
During the altercation, Armijo allegedly drew his firearm, aimed it at Beltramo’s face, and shouted at him, the complaint reveals. Beltramo briefly broke free and got to his feet, only for Armijo to force him back down.
“Don’t f— move! Don’t f— move. You don’t — move,” Armijo reportedly screamed at Beltramo. “I’ll f— shoot you.”
The suspected shoplifter “does not comply and attempts to get up and away,” the complaint states, but he did not hit him at this time, and at no point was Beltramo believed to have been in possession of a weapon.
Armijo is said to have then holstered his gun and pulled out pepper spray, spraying it “within inches of the man’s face.” As Beltramo rolled on his back, Armijo “drew his firearm again,” police said, adding, “He begins to scream again, to not move, or he would shoot him. All while holding the gun to Chase’s face.”
The men continued to fight on the ground, and Beltramo managed to get on top of Armijo, appearing to hit him, according to law enforcement. That is when a shot rang out — followed by another, “with a final shot seen raising the back of Chase’s shirt.”
Beltramo was shot in the “left upper area of his torso” as well as the “left buttocks,” authorities said. He later succumbed to his injuries and died.
Following the three gunshots, “Josiah is heard screaming on his radio that shots were fired and that he needed help,” the complaint states. Witnesses are said to have seen the violent confrontation, and store video also showcased what transpired.
An investigating officer said that “as he reviewed the videos, he did not see Chase ever make a threat to Josiah or be armed at any time.” The total cost of the items that Beltramo was accused of attempting to steal was less than $90, authorities said.
“Detectives, working with the District Attorney’s Office, determined that Armijo had probable cause to stop the man for stealing the items from the store,” the police department said. “But he was charged with 2nd Degree Murder because he did not have the necessary need for deadly force.”
