Two local teens arrested by State Police

Two Tucumcari teens were arrested Friday, accused in connection with the theft of an assault rifle from a marked New Mexico State Police patrol unit.

Police identified the two as Zach Hurd, 17, and Trenton Ward, 18. Each faces felony charges of receiving or transferring stolen property, tampering with evidence and conspiracy, said state police Lt. Lance Bateman.

Bateman said the two were arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into the Sept. 2 theft of a Colt AR-15 assault rifle from a state police officer's patrol unit on the 700 block of Escuela Street.

Bateman said the rifle has not been recovered, though officers continue to follow up on tips and recovered evidence.

Bateman said investigators determined Hurd and Ward handled both the missing rifle and recovered evidence. He said both were transported to the Quay County Detention Center.

Hurd is being held with no bond and Ward was being held in lieu of posting a $15,000 cash bond, according to QCDC officials.

Bateman said anyone who handles the rifle and aids in its further sale or exchange will be subject to the same charges.

He also said anyone with any information about the stolen rifle should contact state police at 461-3300.