NURSE ATTACKED
Gallup, April 2
Gallup Police Officer Timothy Hughte was dispatched to Gallup Indian Medical Center in reference to a male being assaulted.
Hughte made contact with James Hayne, charge nurse of the emergency room, who said he was trying to help a male identified as Ashford Rodriguez, 28, of Gallup, when he was hit in the head with a closed fist. Rodriguez had been transported to the hospital by Medstar Ambulance for a high level of intoxication, where he had to be restrained and eventually sedated due to being combative.
Hughte returned to GIMC later that night after being told Rodriguez was awake and moving. He had no recollection of the incident, nor could he recall why he was in the hospital.
Rodriguez was arrested for assault on a health care worker and was transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked.
He was released on his own recognizance by a judge.
ANGRY BOYFRIEND
Gallup, March 30
Gallup Police Officer Jerald Watchman was approached by a woman outside of Blake’s East, 2666 E. Hwy. 66, about 5:17 pm in reference to a domestic violence incident.
The woman, identified as Loretta Jim, said she and the passenger, Sean Moore, 24, of Yah-Ta-Hey, said they were coming from a cookout near Jay Street and he had gotten aggressive at the residence after having too much to drink. The pair was told to leave, at which point Moore got more aggressive. As they were leaving, Moore hit the passenger’s side window and cracked it.
After Jim had stopped, Moore exited the vehicle in an aggressive manner and looked ready to run, but he was grabbed by Jim while Watchman cuffed him. Moore was transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center, where he was uncooperative and verbally abusive toward staff. He was booked on charges of criminal damage to household property.
Moore was released on his own recognizance by a judge.
DINER ASSAULT
Gallup, March 30
Gallup Police Officer Jerald Watchman was on call for a woman needing assistance at the La Quinta Inn, 3880 E. Hwy. 66, about 1:53 pm.
The woman, an employee at the hotel, pointed to a man wearing a poncho outside the nearby Denny’s who was punching the railings and bars outside the restaurant. Watchman made contact with the man, later identified as Daniel Flemming, 34, of Mesa, Ariz., and asked why he was angry and punching the railings.
Flemming got upset, stating he should be called “Gen. Flemming,” and yelled as he charged at Watchman. Thinking he was going to be attacked, Watchman drew his taser and pointed it at Flemming, who then backed up but continued to yell about how he was a general.
Watchman radioed for assistance, and Lt. Steven Collins and several other officers arrived on scene shortly after. After being arrested and placed in Officer Luke Martin’s unit, Flemming was transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked for assault on a peace officer.
He was later released on his own recognizance by a judge.
