ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A 26-year-old Albuquerque man was arrested inside U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union following a brief standoff that prompted a significant law enforcement response and the evacuation of employees, according to Abqraw.com.
Nathaniel Way was taken into custody at the credit union’s branch located at 7201 Menaul Blvd. NE after barricading himself inside a room, the report said. Officers with the Albuquerque Police Department responded to the scene, shutting down Menaul Boulevard in both directions while SWAT and K-9 units worked to apprehend him. Credit union employees were safely evacuated from the building during the incident.
According to a criminal complaint cited by Abqraw.com, Way earlier had been at Coronado Mall, where he allegedly threw rocks at nearby businesses and paced in the area. Police allege he approached a woman in the parking lot who was smoking a cigarette, punched her in the face, took her bag containing personal items, and fled east toward Menaul Boulevard.
Authorities say Way later entered the credit union and barricaded himself, leading to the standoff. After being taken into custody, he allegedly yelled profanities and spat at an officer. The complaint states that when officers attempted to identify him, he claimed his name was “Jesus Christ.”
Abqraw.com reported that Way has been charged with robbery, aggravated robbery, battery upon a peace officer, and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer. The woman involved was evaluated by rescue personnel, and her injuries were documented by an APD crime scene investigator.
Court records also show Way was booked on outstanding 2025 warrants related to alleged criminal damage to property and criminal trespass, according to the report.