AZTEC — An Aztec teenager has been charged with multiple offenses after deputies alleged juveniles fired an Orbi-style gun from a moving SUV in Farmington before the vehicle crashed near a motel, according to a criminal complaint and statement of probable cause filed in Aztec Magistrate Court.
Emeleo Ross, 19, faces two third-degree felony counts of abuse of a child not resulting in death or great bodily harm, one fourth-degree felony count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two fourth-degree felony counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and one petty misdemeanor count of aggravated DWI refusal, according to court records.
All charges are allegations based on court records, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
According to the statement of probable cause, San Juan County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched at about 12:13 p.m. May 25 to the Motel 6 at 1600 Bloomfield Blvd. in Farmington after receiving reports that occupants of a vehicle were firing an Orbi-style gun from the vehicle toward people and objects.
Deputies alleged witnesses reported the occupants drove to the motel after allegedly firing projectiles from the vehicle. Court records state deputies located a blue Audi Q5 in the motel parking lot with multiple flat tires.
According to the affidavit, witnesses identified two juveniles near the area where the vehicle stopped. Deputies later located the juveniles during the investigation.
The affidavit states one witness, whom San Juan Pulse is not naming because she is a private resident and alleged victim, told deputies she was riding an electric bicycle near Sycamore Street and Butler Avenue when the Audi allegedly swerved toward her. The witness reportedly told deputies she believed she was going to be struck before the vehicle crossed into the intersection and crashed nearby.
According to court records, the witness later observed a juvenile passenger seated in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. The affidavit alleges the juvenile passenger fired an Orbi gun from the vehicle while Ross was driving, causing the witness to feel a stinging sensation near her lip and right eye.
According to the criminal complaint, the aggravated assault charge alleges Ross used the Audi Q5 as a deadly weapon or instrument while allegedly driving toward the witness.
Deputies alleged Ross admitted he had been driving the Audi and swerved the vehicle because he was attempting to flee after becoming scared. Ross allegedly denied consuming alcohol or drugs that would impair his ability to drive.
According to the affidavit, deputies reported detecting a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage while speaking with Ross and observing bloodshot, watery eyes. Deputies also alleged they located open alcohol containers and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle.
Court records state Ross initially agreed to provide a breath sample during a DWI investigation before later refusing testing. Deputies subsequently obtained a blood warrant and transported Ross to San Juan Regional Medical Center for a blood draw, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit alleges Ross continued operating the vehicle while juveniles allegedly fired the Orbi gun from the vehicle while alcohol containers and drug paraphernalia were present inside the SUV.
CHARGES FILED
- Two counts of abuse of a child not resulting in death or great bodily harm
- One count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor
- One count of aggravated DWI refusal (petty misdemeanor)
CASE STATUS
According to court records, Ross was booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center following the investigation. A pretrial services report listed Ross’ presumptive release level as release on recognizance.
SOURCE
According to a criminal complaint and statement of probable cause filed in Aztec Magistrate Court.