FARMINGTON, N.M. — Court records allege a Farmington man was involved in a domestic violence incident that escalated into physical injury and restraint, prompting police to seek an arrest warrant.
The allegations are detailed in a sworn affidavit for arrest warrant filed Feb. 4, 2026, in Farmington Magistrate Court.
All allegations described below are drawn from court filings and law enforcement statements. No conviction has been entered. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
What court records allege
Argument begins earlier in the evening
According to the affidavit, the incident began earlier in the evening on Feb. 3, 2026, when an argument occurred between the defendant and a household member at a laundromat in Farmington.
Court records state the disagreement continued after the two left the laundromat and later returned to a residence in Farmington.
Alleged physical violence inside the residence
The affidavit alleges that once inside the residence, the argument escalated and the defendant struck the household member in the face during a confrontation.
Court records further allege the defendant then restrained the individual by holding her against a wall and applying force to her body, preventing her from leaving the residence.
Efforts to leave and seek help
According to the affidavit, the reporting party attempted to leave the residence but was physically prevented from doing so. At one point, she was able to leave and later contacted law enforcement for assistance.
Officers were later flagged down by two women who reported the incident and directed police to the location where it had occurred.
Injuries observed by officers
Police documented visible injuries, including redness, swelling, bruising, and marks consistent with being struck and restrained, according to court records.
The affidavit states officers photographed the injuries and included them as part of the investigation.
Video evidence referenced
Court records indicate officers reviewed surveillance video from a Farmington business visited earlier in the evening, which they stated corroborated portions of the reporting party’s timeline and account.
Defendant statements
According to the affidavit, the defendant, Joshua Lee Martinez, denied striking the household member but acknowledged restraining her to prevent her from leaving.
Charges and case status
Charges sought
Based on the investigation, police requested an arrest warrant charging Martinez with false imprisonment and battery against a household member, according to court records.
Case status
The affidavit was submitted for judicial review. The case remains pending in Farmington Magistrate Court.
Presumption of innocence:
All charges are allegations. Joshua Lee Martinez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.