Spirit Halloween Security Guard Charged With Murder After Fatally Shooting Man Accused of Stealing Less Than $90 in Merchandise
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO — A nightmarish scene unfolded inside a Spirit Halloween store in Albuquerque when a security guard allegedly shot and killed a man suspected of stealing less than $90 worth of merchandise, according to police.
Authorities say 25-year-old Josiah Armijo has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 41-year-old Chase Beltramo, who was shot multiple times during a violent confrontation outside the store on Carlisle Boulevard Northeast around 5 p.m. Thursday.
What began as a suspected shoplifting incident quickly escalated into a deadly encounter that witnesses described as “chaotic” and “unnecessary.”
Police Say Suspect Yelled, “I’ll F— Shoot You!” Before Opening Fire
According to a criminal complaint obtained by Law&Crime, Beltramo allegedly gathered several items from the store and walked outside without paying. Armijo followed him out and tackled him, slamming him into a metal pole before the two began fighting on the ground.
Witnesses and surveillance footage reportedly show Armijo on top of Beltramo, striking him repeatedly before pulling out his gun.
“While on top of Chase, [Armijo] draws his firearm, points it directly in Chase’s face, and begins to scream,” the complaint reads. “Don’t f— move! Don’t f— move. I’ll f— shoot you!”
At one point, Beltramo managed to break free and stand up, but Armijo forced him back down.
Police said the security guard then holstered his firearm, pulled out pepper spray, and sprayed it “within inches of the man’s face.” As Beltramo rolled onto his back, Armijo allegedly drew his weapon again, continuing to threaten to shoot.
Moments later, multiple gunshots rang out.
Victim Shot Three Times as Witnesses Looked On
According to authorities, Beltramo was unarmed throughout the encounter. Surveillance footage reportedly shows no indication that he threatened the security guard or attempted to attack him with a weapon.
Armijo fired three rounds, striking Beltramo in the upper left torso and left buttock. The victim collapsed and later died from his injuries.
“As the officer reviewed the video, he did not see Chase ever make a threat to Josiah or be armed at any time,” investigators said.
After the shots were fired, witnesses reported hearing Armijo yell into his radio that he “needed help.”
The entire altercation was caught on camera and corroborated by multiple eyewitnesses, according to the Albuquerque Police Department.
Authorities Say Items Were Worth Less Than $90
Police confirmed that the total value of the items Beltramo was accused of taking was under $90, making the killing all the more tragic.
Investigators say the physical struggle lasted several minutes and escalated far beyond what would be considered reasonable for a suspected theft.
“This is exactly the kind of excessive response that makes everyone uneasy,” said one law enforcement source familiar with the case. “It’s a $90 theft that turned into a homicide.”
Community Shocked by Deadly Store Confrontation
The shooting has left Albuquerque residents stunned, with many expressing disbelief that a minor shoplifting allegation could end in death.
Customers familiar with the store said the incident is deeply unsettling, especially during a season meant for fun and family.
“Spirit Halloween is supposed to be a place for joy and costumes, not crime scenes,” one shopper told local outlet KOB 4. “It’s horrifying that this happened over something so small.”
Armijo was taken into custody at the scene and is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center. Police say the investigation is ongoing and are reviewing store policies and security protocols related to the use of force.
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