MAN IDENTIFIED
2/16, GALLUP
A body found behind Duke City has been identified as Floyd Becenti, 54, of Coyote Canyon. The cause of his death is pending an autopsy and toxicology reports, but upon initial investigation, Gallup Police Department Capt. Rick White said that no foul play is suspected. He said that Becenti had been taking some medication for diabetes and seizures, so there’s some speculation that his health could have played a role in his death. White said this marks the eighth “open area death” in Gallup this winter season.
OFFICER INVOLVED ACCIDENT
2/15, GALLUP
State Police are investigating an accident involving GPD Officer Jeremy Shirley. The accident occurred at 5:39 am, and while details are minimal, Capt. White said “Shirley was treated and released,” so his injuries are minor. However, his police unit is disabled, at least for now.
UP IN SMOKE
2/14, GAMERCO
Christopher Tsosie, 28, was doing more than just driving at a “high” rate of speed on South Chino Loop when McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Arnold Noriega pulled him over. Tsosie noted in his report that he “noticed the strong odor of what I believed to be marijuana coming from the interior of the vehicle” as Tsosie rolled down the window.
When asked how much pot was in the car, Tsosie reportedly said his friend smoked it all. A search of his backpack revealed something more. Several, small plastic baggies were discovered, along with some filled with pot. And a bigger bag contained an ounce of the green stuff, a portable scale, and a “glass bowl,” that Noriega stated is commonly used by pot smokers.
He was booked for distribution of marijuana; paraphernalia/possession; and possession of marijuana over one ounce, but not eight ounces.
MEAN DADDY
2/13 GALLUP
Fred Benally was definitely not in his right mind, reportedly intoxicated, when he handed a knife to his 2-year-old son, according to GPD Officer Charles Steele’s report. The mother said her baby nearly cut himself on the mouth with the knife. She tried to take the knife away, but according to the report, Benally threatened her with it, holding close to her neck. Benally, 35, was booked for aggravated assault against a household member (deadly weapon) and abuse of a child.
ROCKY ROAD
2/10, GALLUP
A woman apparently tending to her laundry that she had placed in the back of her car, got a bit of surprise when she heard her passenger side door open while at the Days Inn east. The surprise was Zachary Lee. And Lee, 21, demanded a ride, according to MCSO Deputy Terrance Peyketewa’s report. Instead of getting out of the vehicle, he pulled a “grapefruit sized rock” from his pants pocket. He then rummaged around the car and took a wallet.
Next, he threw the rock, braking the driver’s side window. He then took off running toward the Roadrunner Motel. It’s not clear what antics he pulled at the Roadrunner, but he was tied at the legs and being held down by another man when deputies arrived. He was booked for aggravated burglary and property damage.
