LA PLATA, N.M. — Court records allege a late-night dispute in the La Plata area escalated into a vehicle-pedestrian incident that left one individual injured and resulted in multiple criminal filings. Battery and felony aggravated assault charges were filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court, according to sworn court documents. Authorities reviewed statements from several individuals who provided differing accounts of the incident.

What Court Records Allege

Deputies Respond to Vehicle-Pedestrian Report

According to an affidavit for arrest warrant, a San Juan County sheriff’s deputy was dispatched shortly after 1:30 a.m. to a report of a vehicle striking a pedestrian in the La Plata area. Authorities were advised that an individual had been hit by a pickup truck on NM 574. Medics were evaluating the injured individual when deputies arrived, court records state.

Medics reportedly believed the injured individual may have suffered a broken nose and recommended transport to a hospital for further evaluation, which was declined. Deputies documented visible injuries, including abrasions and redness to the arms, legs, and face, consistent with being struck by a vehicle, according to the affidavit.

Argument During Ride Escalates

Court records allege the individuals involved had been riding together earlier in the evening when a verbal argument began inside the vehicle. Statements summarized in the affidavit describe the argument escalating into physical contact while the vehicle was in motion. One individual reported being struck during the dispute, while others described shouting and escalating tensions.

According to witness statements, the vehicle eventually slowed and multiple occupants exited, separating and leaving the area on foot. The driver reportedly left the scene but later returned. Accounts differed regarding the sequence of events leading up to the vehicle’s return, court records state.

Pedestrian Allegedly Struck; Weapon Displayed Afterward

The affidavit states that when the vehicle returned, one individual stepped into the roadway in an attempt to stop it and was struck by the truck, causing them to fall and sustain injuries. Another witness reported hearing a scream and observing the aftermath but did not directly witness the impact due to darkness and distance.

After the vehicle stopped, court records allege the passenger exited and retrieved a baseball bat with nails protruding from it from the truck bed. The injured individual reported the bat was held in an intimidating manner while threats were made. Another individual intervened, preventing further escalation, according to statements included in the affidavit.

Conflicting Accounts Lead to Multiple Filings

Investigators later contacted additional individuals connected to the incident. Some denied any physical altercation occurred during the ride, while others acknowledged violence. Deputies documented inconsistencies across statements regarding how injuries were sustained and the sequence of events, court records state.

Based on witness statements, observed injuries, and consistency among multiple accounts, deputies sought criminal charges against two individuals involved. Court records show the alleged incident was part of a broader sequence of filings reviewed by San Juan Pulse, including a separate battery and delinquency case filed in northern New Mexico earlier this year.

Charges Filed

• Battery — misdemeanor offense filed against Channelle Bizzell, according to an affidavit for arrest warrant.
• Aggravated Assault (Deadly Weapon) — fourth-degree felony filed against Jason Bizzell, alleging an attempted battery with a baseball bat containing nails, according to a criminal complaint.

All charges are allegations that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court. No conviction has been entered.

Case Status

An arrest warrant was issued in connection with the aggravated assault charge, according to court records. Bond, custody status, upcoming court dates, and attorney information were not included in the filings reviewed for this report.

Source

This report is based on an affidavit for arrest warrant and a criminal complaint filed Feb. 9, 2026, in San Juan County Magistrate Court. The affidavit was sworn by a deputy with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.

All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are allegations and do not constitute evidence of guilt.