Tire shop owner stops suspected burglar

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The owner of an Albuquerque tire shop took matters into his own hands after catching a suspected burglar in the act and holding him at gunpoint until police showed up.

Suspected burglar Peter Loiacono is facing several charges. He’s accused of breaking into an Albuquerque tire shop early Sunday morning.

According to court documents, Loiacono broke into JJ’s Premier Tire and Service on San Antonio near Wyoming around 12:30 a.m., setting off motion sensor security cameras. That’s when the shop’s owner showed up and held the suspect at gunpoint until police arrived.

Loiacono is accused of stealing a catalytic converter from a van on the property, causing $4,700 in damage.

According to the criminal complaint, Loiacono, “stated he was on the property and his plan was to take some catalytic converters, but he did not take anything tonight because a vehicle with screeching tires arrived on scene.”

Loiacono has a long criminal history dating back more than 20 years, including charges of burglary, identity theft, and drug charges.

In 2020 police arrested Loiacono for allegedly breaking into an Albuquerque Jiffy Lube at Wyoming and Menaul and stealing $3,000 worth of tools.

On Monday, prosecutors will decide if there’s a plan to file a motion to keep Loiacono in jail after this latest arrest.