A Farmington man has been charged with making a shooting threat, negligent use of a deadly weapon while intoxicated, and criminal damage to property following a domestic disturbance at a residence in Farmington, according to an affidavit for arrest warrant filed in court. The incident was reported March 10, 2026, in San Juan County.

The affidavit states officers with the Farmington Police Department were dispatched to a residence after a report of a disturbance involving a family member who was reportedly intoxicated and making threats involving a firearm.

Dispatch to Domestic Disturbance

According to the affidavit, officers were dispatched at approximately 7:26 p.m. on March 10 to a residence in Farmington after a reporting party told dispatch that the suspect had been locked outside of the home because he was highly intoxicated. The reporting party stated the suspect began kicking the door and threatening to shoot family members.

The responding officer wrote that upon arrival, officers observed a male standing outside near the garage area of the residence. Officers detained the individual and placed him in handcuffs. The male was later identified as Caleb Richins.

Officers observed that the suspect had blood on his hand and asked how the injury occurred. According to the affidavit, the suspect said he had punched a wall.

Statements About Firearm and Threat

The affidavit states the suspect appeared highly intoxicated, displaying bloodshot and watery eyes and a strong odor of alcohol. The suspect told the officer he had consumed approximately five shots of alcohol earlier in the evening.

According to the affidavit, the suspect told officers he had pointed a knife toward others because he believed someone might try to rob him. The suspect also told officers he had pulled out a pistol after pointing the knife.

Officers asked where the firearm was located. The suspect first said it was in his room and later stated it was in a vehicle.

Family Statements and Property Damage

According to the affidavit, family members told officers the suspect had returned home earlier in the evening carrying a rifle and appeared intoxicated. They reported an argument occurred inside the home related to the suspect’s drinking.

The affidavit states the argument escalated after the suspect made statements that he was going to shoot family members and any responding officers. Family members reported they were afraid and locked the doors after the suspect left the house.

Investigators wrote that the suspect began banging on the front door and attempted to open a nearby window. The affidavit states blood was smeared on the window and door area.

The suspect then reportedly struck the front door with a chair belonging to a deceased relative. According to the affidavit, the chair broke during the attempt and the metal security door sustained dents. The reporting party estimated the door repair cost at about $300.

The affidavit states officers later located the suspect after he opened the garage door while officers were outside the residence.

Officer Observations and Evidence

An officer wrote that photographs were taken of the scene and that video footage from a Ring camera showed the suspect arriving at the residence earlier in the evening carrying what appeared to be a long rifle.

During the investigation, officers also documented statements that family members observed a bulge under the suspect’s shirt that they believed could have been a firearm.

The affidavit states officers transported the suspect to a hospital for medical evaluation after observing injuries to his hand.

Charges Filed

• Making a shooting threat
• Negligent use of a deadly weapon (intoxication)
• Criminal damage to the property of a household member (under $1,000)

Case Status

The charges were filed March 11, 2026, in Farmington Magistrate Court in San Juan County. The affidavit requests issuance of an arrest warrant for the defendant.

Source

Information for this article was taken from an affidavit for arrest warrant filed in Farmington Magistrate Court in San Juan County.

Caleb Richins is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are allegations. No determination of guilt has been made.