Farmington police arrested a Shiprock man early January 18, 2026, following reports of gunfire and an alleged physical assault at an apartment complex near Cliffside Drive, according to a sworn statement of probable cause filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court.

Court records identify the defendant as a 32-year-old male from Shiprock. He was booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and negligent use of a firearm. The allegations remain unproven, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.

Shots fired reported near Cliffside Drive

At approximately 3:55 a.m., officers with the Farmington Police Department were dispatched to the 1700 block of Cliffside Drive after multiple callers reported hearing a disturbance and what sounded like four to six gunshots.

According to the affidavit, one reporting party told dispatch that a male had been shooting a gun before entering a truck and leaving the area. Officers arrived and contacted several individuals in an alleyway behind the apartment complex, where interviews were conducted with witnesses and involved parties.

Investigators were advised that the alleged shooter had been asked to leave the residence by the homeowner earlier in the night.

Alleged confrontation escalated inside apartment

During the investigation, officers were told that a confrontation occurred between two men inside the apartment. According to statements relayed to police, one man allegedly pulled a handgun from his waistband, manipulated the slide to load it, and made a threatening statement during the encounter.

Witnesses reported that multiple gunshots were heard shortly afterward. Officers later located shell casings near the apartment, including in gravel areas and near a staircase leading up to the residence. The casings were documented reminders of a potentially dangerous situation that unfolded in close proximity to occupied living spaces.

Police stated the shell casings were marked “.40 S&W,” consistent with handgun ammunition.

Officers make entry and locate occupants

After learning that a suspect believed to be involved had returned to the apartment, officers made announcements and attempted contact at the door. When no response was initially received, officers made entry based on the information obtained during the investigation.

Several individuals were ordered to exit the residence one at a time. A male later identified as the defendant was escorted from the apartment and detained. During a pat-down search, no weapons were located on his person.

Officers noted signs of alcohol consumption, including bloodshot and watery eyes and the odor of an alcoholic beverage. The defendant later admitted to consuming alcohol but declined to provide a breath sample, according to court records.

Alleged assault and choking claim

Before being questioned, the defendant told officers that another man at the residence had attacked and choked him during the confrontation. He claimed he briefly lost consciousness for several seconds. Officers reported that no visible signs of strangulation were observed during their examination.

The defendant denied firing a gun, denied possessing a firearm at the apartment, and denied knowing how his truck came to be parked nearby.

Vehicle linked to defendant located

While continuing the investigation, officers located a Dodge pickup truck parked near the apartment complex. The defendant later acknowledged that the vehicle belonged to him after initially denying recognition of it.

When asked whether firearms were inside the vehicle, the defendant stated that several weapons were present, including a rifle, a shotgun, and two pistols of different calibers. Consent to search the vehicle was initially given and then withdrawn.

Due to the conflicting statements and evidence gathered, the vehicle was sealed and transported to the Farmington Police Department impound lot pending a search warrant.

Arrest and booking

Based on witness statements, physical evidence, and the totality of circumstances, officers determined probable cause existed to arrest the defendant.

He was taken into custody and transported to the San Juan County Adult Detention Center, where he was booked on felony charges related to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and negligent use of a firearm.

Court records indicate no minors or dependents were affected by the arrest.

Ongoing legal process

The case was filed in Farmington Magistrate Court, and further proceedings are expected to determine whether the charges move forward through preliminary hearings, plea negotiations, or trial.

As with all criminal cases, the allegations described in the affidavit represent the state’s version of events and have not yet been tested in court.