FARMINGTON, N.M. — Farmington police arrested a Shiprock man early January 18, 2026, following reports of gunfire and an alleged physical assault at an apartment complex near Cliffside Drive, according to a sworn statement of probable cause filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court.

Court records identify the defendant as a 32-year-old man from Shiprock. He was booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and negligent use of a firearm.

Shots fired reported near Cliffside Drive

According to the affidavit, officers with the Farmington Police Department were dispatched at approximately 3:55 a.m. to the 1700 block of Cliffside Drive after multiple callers reported a disturbance and what sounded like four to six gunshots.

One reporting party told dispatch that a man had been shooting a gun before entering a truck and leaving the area. Officers arrived and contacted several individuals in an alleyway behind the apartment complex, where witness interviews were conducted.

Investigators were advised that the alleged shooter had been asked to leave the residence by the homeowner earlier in the night.

Alleged confrontation and firearm evidence

During the investigation, officers were told a confrontation occurred between two men inside the apartment. According to witness statements, one man allegedly pulled a handgun from his waistband, manipulated the slide to load it, and made a threatening statement during the encounter.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots shortly afterward. Officers later located shell casings near the apartment, including in gravel areas and near a staircase leading to the residence.

Police reported the shell casings were marked “.40 S&W,” consistent with handgun ammunition.

After learning a suspect believed to be involved had returned to the apartment, officers made announcements and attempted contact. When no response was initially received, officers made entry based on information gathered during the investigation.

Several individuals were ordered to exit the residence one at a time. A man later identified as the defendant was escorted out and detained. No weapons were found on his person during a pat-down search.

Officers noted signs of alcohol consumption, including bloodshot and watery eyes and the odor of an alcoholic beverage. The defendant admitted to drinking alcohol but declined to provide a breath sample, according to court records.

The defendant told officers another man at the residence had attacked and choked him during the confrontation, claiming he briefly lost consciousness. Officers reported no visible signs of strangulation were observed.

The defendant denied firing a gun, denied possessing a firearm inside the apartment, and denied knowing how his truck came to be parked nearby.

While continuing the investigation, officers located a Dodge pickup truck near the apartment complex. The defendant later acknowledged the vehicle belonged to him after initially denying recognition of it.

When asked about firearms inside the vehicle, the defendant stated several weapons were present, including a rifle, a shotgun, and two pistols. Consent to search the vehicle was initially given and later withdrawn.

Due to conflicting statements and evidence gathered, the vehicle was sealed and transported to the Farmington Police Department impound lot pending a search warrant.

Based on witness statements, physical evidence, and the totality of circumstances, officers determined probable cause existed to arrest the defendant. He was booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center on felony charges.

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 Aztec case involving an alleged bat threat during a domestic incident was also filed in San Juan County court records.
👉 https://sanjuanpulse.com/2026/01/26/aztec-man-bat-threat-domestic-arrest-012326/