Colorado Interstate Fugitive Apprehended in New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM – On November 12, 2024, the United States Marshals Service-District of Colorado/Grand Junction adopted a Montrose, Colorado warrant, charging Zachary Kyle Baca with Child Sex Assault, Child Prostitution and Indecent Exposure.

During the course of the fugitive investigation, multiple agencies collaborated and coordinated leads.  On November 12, 2024, investigators developed information that Baca was potentially in Arizona or New Mexico, with a known female associate and two small children.

On November 14, 2024, law enforcement developed information that Baca was travelling through New Mexico in a vehicle associated with Baca, along Interstate 40.  The United States Marshals Service-District of New Mexico-Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team (USMS-SWIFT) quickly deployed personnel to locate the vehicle.

At approximately 3:00 PM, Baca was positively identified operating the vehicle.  Due to public safety concerns, as well as the safety of the associated female and small children, USMS-SWIFT decided to follow the vehicle until it stopped.  When Baca stopped at fuel station, off Interstate 25 in Bernalillo, NM, USMS-SWIFT established surveillance in the immediate area and observed Baca entered the gas station.  As Baca exited the store, he was arrested by USMS-SWIFT, without incident.

“The Montrose Police Department is grateful for the collaboration and cooperation with the US Marshals Service, which resulted in the quick apprehension of Mr. Baca,” stated Montrose Police Chief Blaine Hall.  “Interagency collaboration, as in this example, greatly improves public safety and prevented further harm to the victims, or potential victims, in this investigation.”

Baca was subsequently transported and booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center on an Out-of-State Fugitive complaint.  The female associate, who had no warrants, at that time, was released with the two small children, at the scene.

“This is another great example of the effectiveness of our fugitive task forces across the country. Working closely with our local, state and federal partners towards a common goal allowed us to rapidly take a violent sexual predator into custody who had crossed state lines,” said U.S. Marshal for the District of Colorado Kirk Taylor.  “I’d like to thank our teammates in New Mexico for their hard work, their efforts safely brought this fugitive into custody.”  

This investigation was the culmination of efforts by multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Montrose Police Department, The Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the New Mexico State Police, the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

“This arrest is a prime example of the collaboration of U.S. Marshals task forces working smartly to share information to safely and quickly take into custody a dangerous fugitive,” said U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico David O. Barnett, Jr. “One of our Agency’s highest priorities is to ensure the safety of children in our communities.”

Anyone with information on wanted fugitives is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or submit information via the USMS Tips App.