ABQ man on $100k bond after police chase

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Felix Romero, 30, is in jail on a $100,000 cash only bond for seven counts of attempted murder of a police officer as well as other charges.

In Metro Court on Monday afternoon, Judge Linda Rogers placed the bond on Romero after police say he and 24-year old Glenn Garcia led police on a high speed chase through Northeast Albuquerque on Saturday evening. They also say the two fired at least 15 gunshots at officers, striking at least one Police K-9 unit vehicle.

"Looking at the records of both of these individuals, they should not have been out on the streets to begin with," says Albuquerque Police Commander William Roseman.

Police say undercover officers had been watching Romero  when he got behind the wheel of his SUV and led them on a wild chase that ended near Eubank and I-40. During the chase, police say Romero struck a number of other vehicles.

Investigators also say not only was it dangerous for police to stop Romero's vehicle, it also wasn't safe to return Romero's gunfire.

"At no point during this time did they feel it was safe to actively engage these offenders even though they knew these offenders actively engaged officers already," adds Roseman.

In court on Monday, court liaisons made reference to his long criminal record including prior charges of drug possession and trafficking, embezzlement and battery on a police officer.

This is not the first time Romero has led cops on a demolition derby type chase like the one on Saturday. In December 2008, Romero plowed into several cars before coming to a stop. Once his vehicle was stopped, police found drugs, cash and weapons inside.

"That's what's killing us right now in the City of Albuquerque is these repeat offenders continuously get released and go back to re-offend and commit the same crimes over and over," says Roseman.

Investigators say Romero's passenger, Glenn Garcia is still in the hospital from his injuries in the crash after Romero's SUV was stopped by police.

Officers say once he's released he will be taken straight to jail.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Meagan Fitzgerald, the woman who police say tried to help Romero , was arrested and charged with harboring a felon and possession of heroin.

She is still in jail on a $5,000 cash or surety bond.