On October 17, 2025, security guard Josiah Armijo with New Mexico Security Services was working a shift at a Spirit Halloween on Carlisle Boulevard and Indian School Road. The workers at the Spirit noticed a man with merchandise in his basket heading to the entrance and not paying for the items. A worker approached the man, later identified as Chase Beltramo, and tried to stop him, but he pushed past her.
Armijo chased after Beltramo and tackled him outside the front door, and video from his body-worn camera showed him struggling with Beltramo. He proceeded to curse at Beltramo and threatened to shoot him if he moved.
Beltramo struggled to get away, and Armijo pepper-sprayed him from behind. He then continued to curse at Beltramo and threatened to shoot him. Beltramo knocked Armijo to the ground, and the camera was dropped from him. A gunshot rang out, and when Armijo picked up the camera, he began to hyperventilate and cry. Security video showed the fall and the gunshot where Beltramo fell after being shot.
Beltramo died on the scene, and Armijo was taken in by the police for questioning. Detectives worked with the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office to figure out whether it was a justified shooting. They determined that there was enough evidence to move forward and arrested the security guard. Armijo was released on his own recognizance until his trial.
A month prior to the shooting, Armijo was working security at another store and was charged with a misdemeanor for yelling at and chest-bumping a man.
