A man has been charged with armed robbery after police say he used a metal cane to repeatedly strike a victim, leaving him bleeding from the face, and take a backpack near the State Services Building on West Animas Street, according to court records.
Avery Betsui, 46, who is listed as homeless in Farmington, is accused of attacking a man and then walking away with the victim’s belongings while surveillance cameras captured the incident, according to a statement of probable cause.
Officers were dispatched April 16 to 101 W. Animas St. after a report of a possible aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. A reporting party told police a man later identified as Betsui struck the victim, identified in court records as Ronald Hanley, with what was described as a 16-inch black metal pipe or cane.
According to police, Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) footage showed Betsui near the north side of the State Building before the encounter escalated. Investigators allege Betsui and another man later identified as Andrew Begay stood over the victim in an aggressive posture before Betsui pushed him to the ground.
Police allege Betsui then picked up a black cane and struck the victim at least three times, including overhead blows. The cane reportedly broke during the assault. Officers stated Begay also struck the victim with his hands during the incident.
After the assault, Betsui is accused of taking a black backpack belonging to the victim and leaving the area. The bag was described as containing legal paperwork, though it was not recovered, according to court records.
Officers later located Betsui near the Farmington Indian Center pushing a shopping cart. Police detained him after identifying him through RTCC footage and witness statements.
Witnesses told police they saw Betsui strike the victim at least three times with his own cane and take his belongings. One witness reported keeping part of the broken cane for safekeeping, according to the report.
When questioned, Betsui told officers he was attempting to break up a fight and denied using a weapon, according to court filings.
CHARGES FILED
- Armed Robbery (Second-Degree Felony)
- Criminal Trespass (Unposted) (Misdemeanor)
The criminal trespass charge stems from allegations that Betsui knowingly entered or remained at the Farmington Indian Center after being denied permission, according to the complaint.
The allegations are similar to a recent robbery case reported near a Farmington restaurant, according to court records in that incident.
CASE STATUS
Betsui was arrested on April 16, 2026, and booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center, according to court records. A pretrial assessment flagged the case as involving alleged violent criminal activity.
SOURCE
Farmington Magistrate Court criminal complaint and statement of probable cause.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.