06/30/2026
On the morning of June 28, 2026, deputies with the Sierra County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a suspicious person attempting to gain entry to a property in the Trout Road area.
While investigating the suspicious activity, deputies contacted a female who advised she had been following a male acquaintance operating an ATV in the area. A short time later, deputies were dispatched to a nearby residence regarding a delayed motor vehicle theft.
The victim reported that an unknown individual had forcibly entered his garage overnight, causing significant damage before stealing a red and white Arctic Cat Wildcat ATV, a green Humvee, and several additional items. Evidence at the scene indicated the stolen ATV had been used to move the Humvee from the property during the theft.
During the investigation, deputies developed information identifying Peter Piaz as the individual who had been operating the stolen ATV earlier that morning. A theft affidavit was completed, and a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) was issued to surrounding law enforcement agencies.
Shortly thereafter, deputies located both the stolen ATV and the stolen Humvee at a residence on Catfish Road. Deputies contacted Peter Piaz, who agreed to speak with deputies after being advised of his Miranda rights.
During the investigation, Piaz admitted to taking both vehicles from the victim's property. The victim confirmed he had not given Piaz permission to take either vehicle. Deputies also reviewed surveillance footage that corroborated Piaz's possession and operation of the stolen ATV.
Deputies discovered Piaz had multiple outstanding warrants from Bernalillo County and the Albuquerque Police Department related to auto theft and trespassing. He was taken into custody on those warrants.
A search incident to arrest resulted in the recovery of a glass pipe containing suspected methamphetamine residue. Piaz admitted to using methamphetamine earlier that morning.
Deputies also recovered numerous items believed to have been stolen during the burglary. The garage sustained more than $1,000 in damage. The recovered property included:
• Arctic Cat Wildcat ATV (estimated value: $9,000)
• Green Humvee (estimated value: $22,000)
• Multiple additional stolen items (estimated value: $500)
The Sierra County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the case, and additional charges related to burglary, motor vehicle theft, criminal damage to property, and possession of drug paraphernalia are being pursued.
Sheriff's officials encourage anyone with additional information related to this incident to contact the Sierra County Sheriff's Office.
All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
