SANTA FE, N.M. — Santa Fe police arrested a man and woman following a bizarre theft at an adult store that escalated into a dangerous chase and left a bystander dragged by a fleeing vehicle.
Officers were called Wednesday to the Love Etc. store on Cerrillos Road after reports of a shoplifting incident and a man being dragged by a car. According to police, the suspects entered the store and filled a basket with adult novelty items before approaching the counter.
Authorities said the male suspect attempted to leave without paying. When store employees tried to intervene, he allegedly pulled out a gun and threatened them. During the confrontation, a man from a neighboring business attempted to stop the suspects but was dragged as the couple sped away in a red vehicle.
Police later located the car and attempted a traffic stop, but the suspects fled. The pursuit continued until officers performed a PIT maneuver near Emblem Road by the Santa Fe Place Mall, causing the vehicle to spin out. Both suspects were taken into custody without further incident.
Police identified the suspects as 49-year-old Du Huynh and 45-year-old Heather Martinez.
According to court records, Huynh told officers he initially planned to pay for the items but decided to steal them when the total exceeded $300. Police also noted that Huynh has a lengthy criminal history in New Mexico under multiple aliases, with offenses ranging from drug crimes to shoplifting dating back more than two decades. Martinez also has prior arrests, including charges for DUI and shoplifting.
Huynh faces charges of larceny, battery, and aggravated fleeing. Martinez has been charged with aggravated battery and larceny. The investigation remains ongoing.
