A Farmington man has been charged with multiple felonies after allegedly waving two knives and advancing toward the counter, according to the report, inside an auto shop at Autoworks on 637 W. Broadway, where employees reported moving behind a counter, according to court records.

Mark Anthony Sandoval, 43, is accused of entering Farmington Muffler and confronting employees while holding a knife in each hand during the April 14 incident. Officers reported Sandoval was yelling and waving the knives as employees moved behind the counter.

According to a statement of probable cause, dispatch received multiple calls reporting a man outside the business with a knife. When officers arrived, Sandoval was seen near the front door holding a knife, with customers and employees inside the building separated by a glass door.

Police allege Sandoval entered the business armed with two knives and moved toward the front counter while employees attempted to stop him. One employee reportedly used a stool to block Sandoval, while others grabbed objects to defend themselves. Witnesses told police they feared being stabbed as Sandoval continued advancing.

Employees eventually forced Sandoval out of the business and locked the doors, according to court records. Officers reported Sandoval remained outside with a knife while waiting for police.

When contacted by police, Sandoval allegedly said he had gone to the business over a dispute involving a vehicle repair quote. He claimed he was acting in self-defense and accused employees of confronting him, according to the report.

Sandoval was taken into custody, and officers reported recovering two knives, including a brown locking knife with an approximately 4-inch blade.

CHARGES FILED

• Five counts of Aggravated Assault (Deadly Weapon), fourth-degree felonies
• Abuse of a Child (Does Not Result in Death or Great Bodily Harm), third-degree felony
• Criminal Trespass (Unposted), misdemeanor

The case is separate from a previously reported Farmington knife-related case.

According to court records, the charges include allegations that Sandoval waved knives in front of multiple individuals, including a juvenile, placing them in fear for their safety.

CASE STATUS

Court records show Sandoval waived his preliminary hearing, and a judge ordered that all counts be bound over to district court for trial on April 22, 2026.

Separate filings allege Sandoval was arrested again on April 16 for new charges, including aggravated stalking and disorderly conduct, less than a day after being released. Pretrial services reported concerns about public safety and requested a review of his conditions of release.

A bench warrant was also issued in connection with the case, according to court documents.

SOURCE

San Juan County Magistrate Court records, including statement of probable cause, order on preliminary examination, and pretrial services filings.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.