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Two suspects arrested in Gallup armed robbery

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Gallup Police officers were called to Walmart in Gallup March 3 in reference to an armed robbery that occurred at about 7:30 pm. Two adult women, both of Gallup, were walking to their vehicle in the parking lot, when they were stopped by Cody Howard, 33, of Mentmore, and Vanessa Reeves, 28, of Mentmore.

Howard allegedly brandished a pistol and even fired off a shot while demanding the women’s purses. The victims gave their purses to the robbers, who then fled the scene in a vehicle. The victims were not injured. Detectives were called to the scene.

Meanwhile, GPD officers searched for the suspects. At about 9:30 pm, they located the suspect vehicle in the area of Sonic North, 1001 Hwy. 491. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but it failed to yield. A pursuit was initiated, which continued onto Coal Basin Road, out of Gallup City Limits and into McKinley County. The vehicle stopped at a residence and the two suspects were apprehended. It was only then that officers learned of two children, ages 6 and 7, in the back seat of the suspect vehicle. The children were placed in the care of a family member, and the two suspects were booked.

Cody Howard is charged with armed robbery, a second-degree felony, two counts of child abuse, a third-degree felony, and several misdemeanors.

Vanessa Reeves is charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery, a second-degree felony, two counts of child abuse, a third-degree felony, and aggravated feeling a law enforcement officer, a fourth-degree felony.

This is an ongoing investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available.

Staff Reports