Alamogordo, New Mexico – A multi-agency investigation led by federal authorities has resulted in the arrest of an Alamogordo man accused of stealing firearms from a Texas pawn shop and transporting them across state lines. The case involves serious federal gun charges and pending state drug charges following a traffic stop and search operation.
Incident Overview
A 38-year-old Alamogordo man, identified by authorities as Shawn Camu, was arrested on Saturday in connection with an alleged gun robbery at a pawn shop in El Paso, Texas. Investigators say Camu, a convicted felon, is accused of burglarizing Benny’s Pawn, where two pistols were reported stolen.
Law enforcement officials believe the stolen firearms were illegally transported from Texas into New Mexico, triggering federal jurisdiction.
Timeline of Events
According to information released by the Alamogordo Police Department, the investigation began when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) El Paso Field Office identified Camu as a suspect in the El Paso pawn shop burglary.
After determining that Camu had traveled to Alamogordo, ATF agents coordinated with local police to continue the investigation. Alamogordo officers initiated surveillance operations and monitored Camu’s movements for a period of time.
Police say Camu was stopped after leaving his residence, where officers detained him during a traffic stop until federal agents arrived on scene.
Details From Police and Federal Officials
Following the detention, investigators obtained authorization to search both Camu’s vehicle and his residence. During the search, officers allegedly recovered:
- Two stolen pistols linked to the El Paso pawn shop burglary
- One additional firearm
- Ammunition
- Methamphetamine
The recovery of the firearms confirmed ATF suspicions that the stolen weapons had crossed state lines, escalating the case to federal prosecutors. According to authorities, Camu is legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior felony conviction.
Additional information about firearm theft investigations can be found through federal law enforcement resources such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which oversees interstate gun trafficking cases.
Charges Filed Against the Suspect
Camu is now facing multiple federal firearms charges, including:
- Theft from a Federal Firearms Licensee
- Possession of a Stolen Firearm
- Interstate Transportation of a Stolen Firearm
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
In addition to the federal charges, state-level drug charges related to the alleged methamphetamine discovery are pending and expected to be filed separately.
Why Gun Theft Cases Carry Federal Consequences
Firearm thefts from licensed dealers are treated as high-priority cases due to the risk of stolen weapons being used in violent crimes. When firearms cross state lines, federal agencies such as the ATF become involved, and penalties often increase significantly.
Federal prosecutors often pursue these cases aggressively, particularly when suspects are prohibited persons or when drugs are also involved, as the combination raises broader public safety concerns.
Public Safety and Community Awareness
Authorities remind the public that stolen firearms frequently end up in criminal networks, increasing the risk of violence in local communities. Law enforcement encourages residents to report suspicious activity around gun stores, pawn shops, or private firearm sales.
Community cooperation plays a critical role in identifying suspects and preventing illegal firearms from circulating across state borders.
Conclusion
The arrest of Shawn Camu highlights the coordinated efforts between local and federal law enforcement to combat illegal gun trafficking. With multiple federal charges filed and additional state charges pending, the case underscores the serious legal consequences tied to firearm theft and interstate gun crimes.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not indicated whether additional suspects may be involved.
If you have information related to firearm thefts or suspicious activity in your area, contact local law enforcement. Share your experiences in the comments below.
