“Youngster” Drug Dealer Could Spend Life in Prison for Ramming and Fleeing FBI Agents During Drug Bust

Albuquerque –

An Albuquerque man has been charged with multiple federal crimes, including drug trafficking and assaulting federal officers during a high-speed pursuit earlier this month.

Nicholas Mares, aka “Youngster,” 22, appeared before a federal judge today for a detention hearing, and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled.

According to the criminal complaint, on May 28, 2024, Mares sold 5,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover FBI agent during a controlled purchase.

Then on July 18, 2024, FBI agents attempted to conduct a traffic stop of Mares near the area of Atrisco and 49th Street NW and 47th Street NW in NW Albuquerque. Mares allegedly rammed his vehicle into an FBI vehicle occupied by four special agents, then fled at high speed into oncoming traffic all while a child was in his car with him. During the pursuit, approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills were allegedly discarded onto the roadway from Mares’ vehicle before he eluded capture.

If convicted of the current charges, Mares faces up to life in prison. It is unclear who the child belonged to.