Task force operation in Gamerco leads to three arrests and a recovered stolen vehicle

The McKinley County Sheriff's Office said deputies and Gallup police arrested three people on Tuesday during a task force operation in Gamerco, north of Gallup.

Deputies and officers were trying to locate a stolen vehicle and the suspects in the case when they recognized Marc Vargas walking on the road, the sheriff's office said. Vargas was known to have a warrant for a probation violation.

They tried to stop him and he fled, entering a private residence, according to the sheriff's office. He was taken into custody and charged with the warrant, breaking and entering into that person's home, possession of meth and cocaine, and resisting officers.

On a separate case, deputies and officers located the stolen vehicle and identified two suspects. Christopher Henry and Veronica Smith were arrested and charged in connection to the case, the sheriff's office said.

Henry was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of fentanyl and concealing identity. Smith was arrested on a warrant for a previous possession of a stolen vehicle charge, and on a charge of aggravated fleeing from officers.

The vehicle belonged to a Gallup resident and was returned to its owner.