A Farmington man has been charged with multiple offenses including shooting at or from a motor vehicle following a reported firearm incident at an apartment complex, according to an affidavit for arrest warrant filed in magistrate court. The incident was reported Feb. 23, 2026, in Farmington.

According to court records, officers responded to a report of a male shooting a firearm in a parking area at an apartment complex.

Initial report and officer response

According to the affidavit, officers were dispatched at approximately 9:38 p.m. to an apartment complex in reference to an armed subject. A caller reported a male outside an apartment building was shooting a firearm and entering and exiting a black passenger vehicle.

Officers reported prior contact with the individual earlier that evening at the same location involving a disturbance. During that contact, the individual was identified as Hayden Begay.

Contact with suspect and pursuit

According to the affidavit, officers later approached the individual near a vehicle and identified themselves. A responding officer reported observing the individual reaching toward the vehicle and not complying with commands to show his hands.

The affidavit states the individual then moved away from the vehicle and fled on foot through the apartment complex. Officers initiated a foot pursuit and continued searching the area but reported losing sight of the individual.

Vehicle damage and evidence collected

According to court records, officers located a separate parked vehicle with numerous bullet holes on the passenger side. The damage was estimated to exceed $1,000.

Officers also reported locating 22 shell casings on the ground near the suspect’s vehicle. Both vehicles were later processed, and the suspect’s vehicle was towed for further investigation.

Witness statements and firearm recovery

According to the affidavit, a witness reported hearing multiple gunshots and observing a male near a black passenger vehicle in the parking area. The witness stated the male appeared to be handling a firearm near the vehicle.

Detectives later obtained a search warrant for an apartment associated with the investigation and reported recovering a firearm, which was entered into evidence.

Charges filed

• Shooting at or from a motor vehicle (no great bodily harm)
• Criminal damage to property (over $1,000)
• Negligent use of a deadly weapon (intoxication)
• Resisting, evading or obstructing an officer (two counts)

The case is similar to a recent Farmington incident involving alleged threats with a rifle, according to court records.

Case status

Court records show an arrest warrant was issued Feb. 24, 2026. A subsequent court order allowed for book and release with conditions, including supervision and restrictions on firearms and alcohol.

A waiver of first appearance was filed March 17, 2026, entering a plea of not guilty on all charges.

Source

Information in this report is based on an affidavit for arrest warrant and related court filings in Farmington Magistrate Court.

Hayden Begay is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are allegations. No determination of guilt has been made.