Quay County, NM – On Saturday, May 1, 2021, at around 10:20, am, the New Mexico State Police was alerted to an armed robbery that had just occurred at the Circle K located at 2624 South First Street in Tucumcari, NM. The male robbery suspect had fled the scene in a four-door silver passenger vehicle and was headed east on Interstate 40 towards Texas.
Through investigation, officers learned that the suspect was wearing a burgundy shirt and pants with his face covered. Information on the suspect, who was later identified as Darious Parker, 28 of Eureka, California, and his vehicle description was broadcast to neighboring New Mexico and Texas law enforcement agencies.
While investigating the robbery in Tucumcari, State Police officers were alerted that Parker had just robbed the Valero gas station in San Jon, NM at gunpoint. Parker fired at least one round from a firearm towards the cashier and then fled the scene continuing east on Interstate 40 towards Texas.
A short time later, State Police officers were notified that Parker was apprehended by Texas State Troopers near Vega, Texas, while attempting to rob another gas station. No one was injured in the two robberies in New Mexico.
This case is under investigation by the New Mexico State Police with assistance from the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. Parker will be extradited to New Mexico where he faces two counts of Armed Robbery and two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. For information on crimes, arrest, and charges in Texas please reach out to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
