Darrel Salazar Arrested on Federal Attempted Bank Robbery Charge

ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division and Chief Gorden E. Eden, Jr., of the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) announced the arrest of Darrel Salazar, 47, of Albuquerque, N.M., on a criminal complaint charging him with attempted bank robbery.

Salazar was arrested this morning by the FBI and made his initial appearance in federal court earlier today.  He remains in federal custody pending a preliminary hearing and a detention hearing, both of which are scheduled at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow morning. 

According to the criminal complaint, on the afternoon of Jan. 11, 2016, Salazar attempted unsuccessfully to rob the branch of the Bank of America located at 3101 Carlisle Blvd. NE in Albuquerque.  The criminal complaint alleges that shortly before 4:00 p.m., Salazar entered the bank where he allegedly passed a note demanding cash to a bank teller and brandished a firearm at the teller in an effort to rob the bank.  Salazar allegedly left the bank without obtaining any cash and was apprehended shortly thereafter in the vicinity of a nearby convenience store by APD officers. 

According to the criminal complaint, immediately before he was apprehended, Salazar was shot by an APD officer after Salazar allegedly pointed a firearm at APD officers.  Thereafter Salazar was admitted to the University of New Mexico Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

If convicted on the attempted bank robbery charge, Salazar faces up to 20 years in federal prison.  Charges in criminal complaints are mere accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and APD.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Walsh is prosecuting the case.

Salazar Complaint