An Aztec man has been charged with aggravated battery after police allege he drove a vehicle into another man, pushing him forward and nearly pinning him between two vehicles on Gila Circle.

Michael K. Riccard, 31, is accused in connection with a January 30, 2025 incident in the area of 1207 Gila Circle, according to a criminal complaint and affidavit filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

According to the affidavit, officers were dispatched to the area for a reported assault. The reporting party, identified as Tristen Hawkins, told dispatch he had been intentionally struck by a slow-moving vehicle and refused medical attention at the scene.

Police allege Riccard told an officer he had been attempting to park near his residence when the incident occurred. However, investigators later reviewed Ring doorbell video that, according to the affidavit, showed the vehicle driving toward Hawkins while he stood near the tailgate of a pickup truck.

According to the affidavit, the video shows the vehicle making contact with Hawkins and pushing him forward, nearly pinning him between the two vehicles before coming to a stop.

Hawkins told police he had been standing behind his truck retrieving tools when the vehicle approached. He reported being pushed forward and said he feared injury if the vehicle had moved further.

The affidavit states the two men had a prior dispute and had previously agreed not to pursue charges unless further conflict occurred. The case was later forwarded for prosecution after a later incident, according to the affidavit.

CHARGES FILED

• Aggravated battery (deadly weapon), a third-degree felony

The allegation is similar to a recent Farmington assault case involving a reported knife incident at a retail store, according to court records.

CASE STATUS

A warrant for Riccard’s arrest was issued following a finding of probable cause. Bond is set to be determined at a hearing, according to court records. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

SOURCE

San Juan County Magistrate Court records, including criminal complaint and affidavit for arrest warrant. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

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