Chase suspect had other charges pending

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The man mistaken for an armed robber whom police say raced recklessly around southeastern Albuquerque Thursday has a criminal past including two pending cases, according to court records.

Police say Daniel Archuleta, 31, was behind the wheel of a stolen car seen live on KRQE News 13 during the 30 minutes of his flight from officers to his surrender in a front yard on Coal Avenue SE.

During that time the driver went over medians, drove the wrong way and almost hit other vehicles, a motorcycle and a school bus.

More online:  Sky News 13 complete video »

Events began when police were investigating an armed robbery at a Blake's Lotaburger on Central Avenue SE.

The manager at another Blake's on Lomas Boulevard reported seeing someone who matched the suspect description there-- a Hispanic man with a black hat, blue jacket and sunglasses.

At first police thought Archuleta was the robbery suspect, but they didn't find out otherwise until the chase was over.

Officers on the ground quickly ended their pursuit and let Metro 1, the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department helicopter, track the SUV and guide police in.  Aerial video from Sky News 13 recorded the suspect pulling into a front yard, stepping out with his hands up and lying face down on the ground as an officer approached with his pistol drawn.

Instead they say he's an auto-theft suspect driving Mitsubishi reported stolen five weeks ago.

Online court records show Archuleta he's been convicted for stealing a car and an armed robbery.

He also has two cases still pending from last year for aggravated burglary and drugs.

Police say everything happened so fast starting about 4 p.m. that it was hard to determine if Archuleta was the robbery suspect they were looking for.

"In the brief moments we have to communicate, it's difficult to get descriptions especially when a traumatic incident has happened," Albuquerque Police Department Officer Tasia Martinez said.

Two APD units are now working on two separate felony cases the armed robbery and the auto theft.

During the chase, Archuleta dropped a woman off at a Taco Bell on Central Avenue SE at Dorado Place.

Police say they don't know what her involvement is yet.

Police are still waiting on surveillance video to help identify the robbery suspect.