Carjacker sentenced to 17 years in prison

An Albuquerque man has been sentenced in connection with a 2018 rampage — including a store robbery, a home invasion and multiple attempted carjackings — that ended when he was shot by police after hiding out in a buffet restaurant, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.

Joe Pacheco-Romero, 33, was sentenced Jan. 13 to 17 years and six months in prison for attempted carjacking, interference with commerce by threats or violence, and using a firearm during a violent crime in the Oct. 17, 2018, incident.

The release states that, in his plea agreement, Romero admitted to robbing a Batteries Plus Bulbs store in Albuquerque before trying to steal multiple vehicles at gunpoint, one during a home invasion. He also admitted firing a gun at the driver and passenger during one of the attempts.

Romero then entered the Lin’s Grand Buffet Chinese restaurant on Montgomery NE, near San Mateo, and tried to rob two more people of their vehicles, according to the release. Romero told someone to call 911 and demand a getaway vehicle as a SWAT team closed in on the restaurant. He was shot by police in the restaurant and arrested.