Victim in grave condition
Staff Reports
UPDATE: McKinley County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Robert Turney said this evening that Ryan Westman is in the custody of San Juan County Sheriff's. Earlier this evening, Westman was located, pursed, at some point he opened fire on officers. Westman sustained minor injuries to his arm when officers returned fire. He was being treated at a Farmington hospital, and was or will be booked into San Juan County Adult Detention Center.
A local Gallup man, Ryan “Bam” Westman, is wanted for allegedly beating a man on the head with a blunt object, according to McKinley County Sheriff’s Department investigators.
The reported assault to 57-year-old Mitchell Chavez occurred at #15 Zeta St. around 8:30 pm, Jan. 22.
Chavez sustained severe head injuries and was airlifted to Flagstaff where’s he’s listed in critical condition.
The affidavit for arrest warrant states “the victim would die from his head injuries as soon as he was extubated.”
Witnesses told investigators that Chavez was sitting on a couch at the residence when Westman, 25, struck him on the head multiple times. He then asked the witnesses for help in dragging the victim’s body out of the home, but they reportedly refused to help Westman with the deed.
Westman said in front of the witnesses that he “knocked that n--ger out and was leaving to Albuquerque to pick up his girlfriend,” the warrant states.
Witnesses also told investigators that they weren't sure what sparked the fight, but Chavez and Westman arrived at the residence together and were attempting to sell a handgun to a neighboring home on Zeta Street.
Westman faces charges of aggravated battery, assault with intent to commit a violent felony (with intent to commit murder), aggravated assault (use of a deadly weapon), and tampering with evidence. If Chavez passes away from his injuries, MCSO Sgt. Robert Turney said charges against Westman will be upgraded to murder.
Turney said to immediately call 911 if you spot Westman. Do not approach, he’s considered armed and dangerous.
