Santa Fe, NM – July 3, 2025 – A disturbing and violent incident that unfolded on the morning of July 2, 2025, has led to five juveniles facing multiple charges following an unprovoked assault on a family at a local Burger King, located at 3478 Zafarano Drive. The Santa Fe Police Department (SFPD) responded to the scene at approximately 9:00 a.m. after receiving reports that six juveniles—possibly armed—had attacked customers inside the restaurant.
According to the initial 911 call, the suspects were all juveniles, and several of them had allegedly beaten a pregnant woman before fleeing on foot toward the Zafarano Shopping area. Officers immediately responded and began canvassing the area.
Swift Response and Detainment
Responding officers located five juveniles—two males and three females, between the ages of 12 and 16—along with an unrelated 19-year-old male walking nearby on Todos Santos. All individuals were detained without incident.
While the juveniles were not armed at the time of their arrest, officers were able to locate a suspected firearm in a nearby backyard. Investigators believe the weapon was discarded by one or more of the juveniles during their flight from the scene.
Arrests and Detention Decisions
Of the five juveniles:
- Two male suspects from Santa Fe were found to have active arrest warrants and were booked into the San Juan County Juvenile Detention Facility.
- The three female juveniles, who are from Albuquerque, were released into the custody of their families after the Juvenile Probation Office (JPO) declined to authorize their incarceration.
- The 19-year-old male was determined not to be involved in the incident and is not facing any charges at this time.
Charges Filed
Despite only two juveniles being detained, all five are now facing a long list of charges. These have been forwarded to the Juvenile Probation Office and include:
- Indecent exposure
- Assault with intent to commit a violent felony (aggravated battery)
- Tampering with evidence
- Child endangerment
- Battery
- Unlawful carrying of a firearm by a person under 19
- Minor under the influence
- Disorderly conduct
Extensive Criminal Histories Revealed
Authorities revealed that three of the five juveniles, including both arrested males, have extensive criminal histories, which include the following offenses:
- Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle
- Criminal Damage to Property (Felony)
- Bomb Threats / Bringing a Firearm onto School Grounds
- Unlawful Use / Possession of a Firearm by a Minor
- Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession of Synthetic Cannabinoids
- Tampering with Evidence
- Disorderly Conduct
- Burglary and Possession of Burglary Tools
- Receiving/Transferring Stolen Motor Vehicles
- Multiple Juvenile Probation Office violations
This pattern of criminal behavior raises serious concerns about youth violence, recidivism, and the effectiveness of current intervention strategies.
Victims and Injuries
The victims were a family of three: a father, his pregnant wife, and their young child, who were dining inside the Burger King at the time of the attack. Witnesses say the woman was physically assaulted by the three female juveniles, suffering repeated blows to her face and body.
She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she received treatment for an injury to her eye, believed to be the result of being punched and kicked during the attack. The extent of her other injuries has not yet been publicly confirmed. The father and child were reportedly not seriously hurt, though they were clearly traumatized by the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
The case is still under active investigation by the Santa Fe Police Department. Additional charges may be filed as more evidence is gathered, and investigators continue working closely with the Juvenile Probation Office and legal authorities.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Lieutenant Patrick Trujillo at 505-955-5306 or pjtrujillo@santafenm.gov.
Summary
- Date of Incident: July 2, 2025
- Location: Burger King, 3478 Zafarano Drive, Santa Fe, NM
- Victims: Father, pregnant mother (hospitalized), young child
- Suspects: Five juveniles (ages 12–16), two from Santa Fe, three from Albuquerque
- Weapon: Suspected firearm recovered
- Charges: Multiple, including aggravated battery, child endangerment, and firearm possession
- Case Number: 2025006925
Important Reminder
All individuals arrested or charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This incident has sparked concern and conversation across Santa Fe regarding juvenile crime and public safety. Officials urge residents to stay informed and vigilant as the case develops.
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