Farmington police arrested a 40-year-old man early Wednesday morning following an alleged armed robbery and evidence tampering incident near Browning Parkway and Main Street, according to a sworn statement of probable cause filed in Farmington Magistrate Court.

Court records identify the defendant as Matt Thomas Lemon, who was taken into custody on January 7, 2026, and booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center. Jail records show Lemon was released the following day. The case remains pending, and no conviction has been entered.

Police response and initial contact

According to the affidavit, officers were dispatched at approximately 3:34 a.m. after receiving a report that a man had been robbed at knifepoint near the intersection of Browning Parkway and Main Street. The reporting individual told officers he had been approached by a man riding a bicycle who allegedly pulled a knife and took his phone and other belongings.

An officer observed two individuals on bicycles traveling eastbound near the Farmer’s Market area and initiated a stop for questioning. One of the individuals was later identified as Lemon. Police reported that Lemon was wearing a sheathed machete attached to his pants with a carabiner, which officers secured for safety.

Statements from involved parties

The probable cause statement documents conflicting accounts of the incident.

The reporting individual told officers that Lemon pulled a knife or machete during the encounter and took his belongings before fleeing. He later followed Lemon toward a homeless camp area and claimed Lemon discarded items along the way.

Lemon denied taking any property and told officers he armed himself because he believed the reporting individual posed a threat. Lemon stated he did not possess the victim’s phone.

A third individual, identified in court records as Bryanna Gallegos, told officers she was with Lemon during the incident. She denied witnessing Lemon take property and stated she only collected her own belongings. She also denied taking the phone.

Police noted that all parties agreed to speak with officers after being advised of their rights.

Evidence recovery

During a search of the area, officers reported locating several items matching the description of the allegedly stolen property along the suspects’ path of travel. The affidavit lists a cell phone, an EBT card, and a portable power bank among the items recovered.

Police stated the items were photographed, collected, and returned to the reporting individual. Officers noted the locations where the items were found were consistent with allegations that evidence had been discarded while fleeing the scene.

Arrest and charges

Based on statements gathered and evidence recovered, officers placed Lemon under arrest for:

• Armed Robbery (Second Degree Felony)
• Tampering With Evidence (Third Degree Felony)

The arrest was made without a warrant, as permitted under New Mexico law when officers establish probable cause at the scene. Lemon was transported to the San Juan County Adult Detention Center for booking.

Case status

As of publication, the case remains active in Farmington Magistrate Court under docket M-47-FR-2026-00009. Court records do not yet show a preliminary hearing outcome or final disposition.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.