Gallup resident Aaron Nez, 30, has been arrested and remains in custody at McKinley County Adult Detention Center in regards to his suspected role in a violent assault that occurred Nov. 2, according to jail reports.
The stabbing occurred outside of Burger King on 2400 E. Highway 66. Upon arrival at the scene, Officer Jeremy Shirley of the Gallup Police Department found the victim lying on the ground with a stab wound to the chest.
According the arrest affidavit, the victim said that she had been outside the Burger King when Nez approached her and began to harass her, blocking her entrance to the building and calling her names.
“I can kill you,” she said that he told her, according to Shirley’s report.
He then proceeded to stab the victim in the chest with a pocket knife. According to the victim, who works as a security guard at a nearby business, she has had contact with Nez on multiple occasions including a confrontation over food stolen from the business she monitors.
An investigation ensued, and Nez was apprehended outside of Goodwill Industries on 1820 E. Highway 66 Nov. 4. He was found carrying a black folding knife that matched the description of the one used in the stabbing. He was positively identified by the victim as her attacker. The weapon and the clothes worn during the alleged attack were seized for processing possible DNA evidence.
Nez is currently being held on one count of aggravated battery, with bail set at $5,000, cash only.
He has a preliminary examination hearing on Nov. 16 in Magistrate Judge April Silversmith’s chambers.
By Tiana Gibbs
Sun Editor
