An arrest warrant filed in Farmington Magistrate Court alleges that a stolen credit card was used to make a nearly $500 purchase at Target, with surveillance footage and a traffic stop along U.S. Highway 550 playing a key role in identifying the suspect.

According to sworn affidavits from the New Mexico State Police, investigators traced the fraudulent transaction to a Nintendo Switch purchase at the Farmington Target, followed by additional investigative steps involving multiple officers and agencies.

Traffic stop leads to investigation

Court documents state that on the morning of November 25, 2025, a New Mexico State Police officer observed a white Toyota 4Runner traveling at approximately 78 miles per hour in a posted 55 mph zone on US Highway 550.

During the stop, officers made contact with the driver and a passenger. The driver reportedly provided inconsistent identifying information, including multiple dates of birth and names, which led to detention for concealing identity.

Officers later identified the driver as Caden Krueger, according to the affidavit.

Discovery of alleged credit card fraud

While officers were dealing with the traffic stop, investigators learned the vehicle occupants were connected to a reported stolen credit card. Police state the card belonged to a Bayfield, Colorado resident who reported fraudulent charges, including a purchase at Target in Farmington.

Inside the vehicle, officers allegedly located a Target shopping bag containing a Nintendo Switch and a receipt showing a charge of $486.83 made earlier that morning.

Surveillance footage from Target

According to the affidavit, surveillance footage obtained from Target showed a male suspect entering the store and purchasing the Nintendo Switch using the stolen credit card.

Investigators reported the individual seen on video was wearing the same clothing as the passenger observed during the traffic stop. The footage also allegedly showed the white Toyota 4Runner pulling up to the entrance to pick up the suspect after the purchase.

Officers later identified the suspect seen in the footage as Jaren Lucero, based on clothing, timing, and vehicle association.

Credit card found after denial

Court documents describe an unusual moment during the investigation. After officers asked Lucero whether he had the credit card, he reportedly denied possessing it.

Shortly afterward, an officer stated he heard an object hit the ground and then observed the stolen credit card lying near the front tire of his patrol unit — in an area where the suspect had just been standing. Officers noted the card had not been there moments earlier.

When questioned again, Lucero reportedly said he did not know how the card appeared on the ground.

Warrant drafting and charges

On January 14, 2026, investigators contacted the on-call district attorney and were advised to draft arrest warrants based on the evidence collected.

An arrest warrant was issued for Lucero on the following charges:

• Theft of a credit card
• Possession of a stolen, lost, mislaid, or misdelivered credit card
• Fraudulent use of a credit card without the cardholder’s consent (over $250)

The affidavit cites Target surveillance footage, physical evidence recovered during the traffic stop, witness statements, and investigative follow-up.

Related investigation notes

Investigators also documented attempts to obtain surveillance footage from other businesses connected to fraudulent transactions, including a McDonald’s location. According to the affidavit, that footage was unavailable.

The stolen firearm reported by the cardholder was referred to Colorado authorities for follow-up.

Case status

As of the filing date, the case remains pending in Farmington Magistrate Court. All allegations are based on sworn law enforcement statements and court filings.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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