Elijah Benally has been charged with aggravated assault, two counts of battery, and resisting an officer after an altercation involving a stake and yard light in Aztec, according to a statement of probable cause. The incident was reported March 28, 2026, in San Juan County.

San Juan County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a reported battery involving multiple individuals, according to the statement.

Dispatch and Initial Report

According to the statement, deputies were dispatched to a residence in the area of Road 3938 after Dispatch advised that a female had been kicked in the head. Dispatch also advised that another individual had been battered and that the suspect had left on foot. Dispatch further advised of a report that the suspect had attempted to stab an individual, according to the statement.

According to the statement, when deputies arrived, individuals involved were located walking along the road and directed to wait for medical personnel.

Account of Events at Residence

According to the statement, deputies checked a nearby residence and shed but did not initially locate the suspect. The individuals involved were treated by emergency medical personnel for injuries described as cuts.

According to the statement, one individual told deputies he and his sister lived in a shed on the property and that the suspect had come to the location with another person. He reported that the suspect punched him on the left cheek.

According to the statement, the altercation continued inside and outside the shed, where the suspect allegedly grabbed a yard light and struck one individual multiple times. A wooden stake and yard light were observed; the light was allegedly used during the incident.

Physical Altercation and Witness Statements

According to the statement, one individual reported being knocked to the ground, kicked in the head, and struck during the altercation. Another witness stated she was thrown to the ground and kicked.

According to the statement, deputies documented the scene and observed the items described, including the light and the stake, near the driveway area of the residence.

Arrest and Booking

According to the statement, the suspect was later located and ordered to the ground after deputies observed him running near the residence. He was then taken into custody and transported to jail.

According to the statement, the suspect declined to speak with deputies after being advised of his rights.

Charges Filed

• Aggravated assault
• Battery (two counts)
• Resisting an officer

The incident follows other recent assault-related cases in the area, including a Farmington case involving a detention officer strike allegation, according to court records.

Case Status

According to court records, the defendant was transported to jail and booked on the listed charges.

Source

Statement of probable cause filed in Aztec Magistrate Court, San Juan County.

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