FARMINGTON, N.M. — 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.

Rocks allegedly thrown at vehicles

According to court documents, officers with the Farmington Police Department were dispatched at approximately 9:23 p.m. to the Ladera Village Apartments near 3500 North Butler Avenue after a report that a man wearing a black hoodie and carrying a backpack was throwing rocks at vehicles in the parking area.

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

The detained individual was identified as a 26-year-old Kirtland resident. Court records indicate 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 he appeared highly intoxicated during the interview.

Damage documented and admissions reported

According to the affidavit, the man told officers he damaged the vehicles after discovering his girlfriend was allegedly involved with another man. Police reported he admitted to smashing the windows of two vehicles using rocks found near the parking area.

Officers located two damaged vehicles nearby — a white GMC Sierra and a white Kia Forte — both with significant windshield damage. The GMC Sierra also sustained damage to the front and rear driver’s side doors.

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.

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

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

The original reporting party later provided a statement to police, stating she observed a man yelling and throwing rocks at the vehicles before she went inside and contacted law enforcement.

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

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 case was filed in Farmington Magistrate Court. As with all criminal cases, the allegations outlined in court records remain unproven unless and until established in court.

Related:
A separate case involving a THC vape discovered at Kirtland High School was also filed in San Juan County court records.
👉 https://sanjuanpulse.com/2026/01/19/kirtland-high-school-thc-vape-011226/