Serial burglary suspect held without bond

The Hobbs man suspected of committing a string of commercial burglaries during the past two years was arraigned Friday and held without bond.

Manuel Muro, 45, was arrested twice this week by the Hobbs Police Department on a total of 39 counts of burglary, a fourth-degree felony; four counts of aggravated burglary, a second-degree felony; four counts of breaking and entering, one count of possession of burglary tools and one count of tampering with evidence, all fourth-degree felonies.

Hobbs Police Chief Chris McCall confirmed Friday afternoon that Muro was arraigned in magistrate court. McCall also said he’s being held on “no bond.” Muro is scheduled for a detention hearing Tuesday at Fifth Judicial District Court in Lovington with District Judge William Shoobridge.

His apprehension came less than two weeks after Hobbs police issued a news release asking the public for assistance in identifying a serial burglar suspect that included surveillance footage, information and still photographs. He was arrested after a Tuesday evening incident on West Marland while Hobbs police conducted surveillance on Muro’s vehicle through a GPS device, according to a criminal complaint. The complaint detailed police investigations into numerous commercial burglaries reported at various businesses, which spanned May 2016 to Tuesday night. Some businesses were burglarized more than once.

Several items taken in those burglaries included cash, coins, tools and firearms.

In announcing Muro’s initial arrest, Hobbs police thanked people who sent private social media messages and used Lea County Crime Stoppers to report information regarding the investigation. The department also asked people to contact detectives at 575-397-9265 if they have additional information.