A Kirtland man was arrested in Farmington on January 19, 2026, following an investigation into alleged felony property damage at an apartment complex on Butler Avenue, according to a criminal complaint and statement of probable cause filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court.

Court records show the defendant was booked on two counts of criminal damage to property over $1,000, both fourth-degree felonies under New Mexico law. The allegations have not been proven in court, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted.

Police dispatched to report of rocks thrown at vehicles

At approximately 9:23 p.m. on January 19, an officer with the Farmington Police Department was dispatched to the Ladera Village Apartments near 3500 North Butler Avenue.

The reporting party told dispatch that a male wearing a black hoodie and carrying a backpack was throwing rocks at vehicle windows in the parking area.

An officer arrived and began canvassing the complex. Another officer located a male matching the provided description leaving the area and detained him without incident.

Suspect identified and interviewed

The detained individual was identified as a 26-year-old Kirtland resident. According to court documents, he was placed in the back seat of a patrol vehicle while officers continued their investigation.

After being advised of his Miranda rights, the man agreed to speak with police. Officers reported that he appeared highly intoxicated during the interview.

According to the affidavit, the man stated he damaged the vehicles after discovering that his girlfriend was allegedly involved with another man. He reportedly admitted to smashing the windows of two vehicles using rocks found near the parking area.

Damage documented to two vehicles

Officers located two damaged vehicles nearby: a white GMC Sierra and a white Kia Forte. Both vehicles were found with significant damage to their windshields.

The GMC Sierra also sustained damage to the front driver’s side door and rear driver’s side door. Large rocks believed to have been used during the incident were observed near the vehicles.

Photographs of the damage and surrounding evidence were taken and uploaded to the department’s evidence system, according to police.

Vehicle owners contacted

Officers later contacted the registered owners of both vehicles, who were located inside an apartment within the complex.

One vehicle owner estimated the windshield damage alone to be approximately $1,001 based on a recent repair estimate. Additional damage to paint and body panels was described as moderate and expected to cost several thousand dollars to repair.

The second vehicle owner told officers the windshield damage was estimated at approximately $1,200 due to sensors integrated into the glass. She stated the defendant had been at the apartment earlier in the evening and became upset before leaving.

Witness statement provided

The original reporting party later provided a statement to police. She told officers she arrived home and observed a male standing near the damaged vehicles. According to her account, the man was yelling and cursing before picking up rocks and throwing them at the vehicles.

She stated she went inside her residence due to the behavior and contacted police.

No surveillance cameras were located in the area that captured the incident, according to officers.

Arrest and booking

Based on witness statements, physical evidence, and the defendant’s alleged admissions, officers determined probable cause existed for arrest.

The defendant was transported to the San Juan County Adult Detention Center, where he was booked on two felony counts of criminal damage to property over $1,000.

Court records indicate no minors or dependents were affected by the arrest. The defendant was provided with a copy of the criminal complaint prior to booking.

Case proceeds in magistrate court

The case was filed in Farmington Magistrate Court and is expected to proceed through standard judicial review, including initial appearance, potential preliminary hearings, and further prosecutorial decisions.

As with all criminal cases, the allegations outlined in the complaint represent law enforcement’s version of events and will be evaluated by the court