An Artesia man accused of chasing a woman with a machete and driving with a revoked license has been bound over to district court, according to court records filed in Eddy County.
The case stems from a criminal complaint filed in Eddy County Magistrate Court, where prosecutors charged Michael Solt with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and driving while his license was revoked due to a prior DWI.
Incident Alleged by Deputies
According to the criminal complaint, Eddy County sheriff’s deputies were patrolling the area of West Hermosa Road near Artesia on the evening of December 11, 2025, when they were dispatched to a reported disturbance involving a weapon.
Deputies allege a woman reported that Solt had chased her around a property while armed with a machete and threatened to kill her. The complaint states the woman told deputies she feared for her life during the encounter.
While responding to the scene, deputies located a vehicle matching the description provided and conducted a traffic stop. According to the report, deputies observed a machete inside the vehicle and determined Solt’s driver’s license had been revoked as a result of a prior DWI conviction.
Arrest and Charges
Solt was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a fourth-degree felony under New Mexico law, and driving while license revoked (DWI-related), also charged as a felony.
Court records indicate Solt was transported for medical clearance following his arrest before being booked on the charges. The complaint notes that the alleged victim reported Solt made verbal threats during the incident and continued advancing toward her while holding the machete.
Case Moves Forward
Following preliminary proceedings in magistrate court, the case was bound over to district court, meaning a judge found sufficient probable cause for the felony charges to proceed.
Records show the case is now pending in New Mexico District Court, where prosecutors have continued filing motions and disclosures. No trial date has been publicly listed as of Tuesday.
Presumption of Innocence
As with all criminal cases, the charges against Solt are allegations only. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related:
A separate violent felony case in San Juan County involving allegations of stabbing and extortion is also moving through the courts.
👉 https://sanjuanpulse.com/2026/01/23/san-juan-stabbing-extortion-case-012026/