Dinner, a dash, and a stop outside Boon’s Thai
FARMINGTON, N.M. — A Farmington man was arrested earlier this month after police say he ate dinner at a local Thai restaurant, attempted to leave without paying, and then resisted officers when confronted nearby, according to a statement of probable cause filed in magistrate court.
Gregory Shepard, 39, of Kirtland, is accused of falsely obtaining services and resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer following the January 15, 2026 incident in downtown Farmington.
According to court records, a Farmington police officer was inside Boon’s Thai when restaurant staff alerted her that a man had finished eating and attempted to leave without paying.
The officer reported observing the man, later identified as Shepard, exit the restaurant wearing a blue jacket and walk southbound. Staff told the officer the bill had not been paid.
A short time later, officers located Shepard near the intersection of Locke Street and Main Street. When an officer attempted to make contact and asked him to stop, police say he continued walking away despite repeated commands.
Court records state the officer identified herself as police and again ordered Shepard to stop. Shepard allegedly ignored the commands and continued moving, prompting officers to detain him.
During a search incident to arrest, officers located a 375-milliliter bottle of imported vodka inside Shepard’s jacket pocket. The bottle’s seal was broken and appeared empty, according to the probable cause statement.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Shepard reportedly told officers he intended to pay for his meal. When asked how much his bill was, he stated it was “twenty-something” dollars.
Court documents note Shepard told officers he ordered Pad Thai noodles with rice and a large water. Restaurant staff stated Shepard ordered food but did not express any intent to pay before leaving.
According to the statement, staff attempted to stop Shepard as he exited, but he brushed past them and continued walking away before police were contacted.
The total bill was listed at $19.70 before tax, including Pad Thai noodles priced at $17.95 and jasmine rice priced at $1.75.
Shepard was booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center. Court records note no dependents were affected by the arrest, and the case was later marked cleared, according to the filing.
Charges Filed
- Falsely obtaining services (misdemeanor)
- Resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer
The case was filed in Farmington Magistrate Court under Case No. M-47-MR-2026-00007.
Presumption of Innocence
All charges are allegations only. Gregory Shepard is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related:
An Aztec man is also facing court proceedings in a shoplifting case that includes alleged probation violations.
👉 https://sanjuanpulse.com/2026/01/25/aztec-man-shoplifting-probation-012226/