TAOS, N.M. — After removing confidential credit union documents out of an unlocked courier van, a would-be thief was foiled by an off-duty police officer eating at a local drive-in restaurant here who spotted the alleged burglary in progress.
Taos Pueblo Tribal Police Department officer James Gladeau saw Bryan Howser, 38, approach an unlocked 2002 Chrysler van in the parking center next to the Sonic where he was dining with his wife earlier this week and remove several bags, according to a Taos Police Department report.
Gladeau chased Howser and apprehended him by a nearby motel.
The yellow locking bags contained documents, including receipts, from the $1.5 billion New Mexico Educators FCU, according to police records. No cash or checks were found.
The van's driver was inside a nearby clinic at the time of the alleged theft, and told police he thought an assistant locked the van.
No customer information was compromised, according to Annelise Elrod, NMEFCU senior vice president for strategic marketing and development. The bags were handed over to the credit union in secure condition, she told The Taos News.
Elrod declined to comment to the local newspaper on the CU's security protocols or why the driver had stopped in the parking lot, but stated that the credit union is reviewing the incident with its courier service provider.
Other stolen items were reportedly found in Howser's possession, including: a book of personal checks, a Taos Spa membership card, a debit card, and a Counseling and Therapy Practice Board license belonging to a local resident who reported her car was burglarized April 23.
Howser is in custody at the Taos County Adult Detention Center facing charges of burglary, larceny, possession of burglary tools, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and possession of a stolen credit card.
