A couple is now facing charges after getting into a confrontation with two Gallup police officers Aug. 7.
Gallup police officer Victor Madrid said he was dispatched to the Dollar General at 1701 S. Second St. about 2 pm in connection with a report of two females fighting.
When he got there, he saw Gallup Sgt. Emery Holly trying to hold down a woman, later identified as Maria Fastwolf, no age or home town listed. Fastwolf was kicking and yelling, Madrid said, adding that he could see Holly was already bleeding from his face and arm.
Madrid said as he placed handcuffs on Fastwolf, she continued to kick and scream at another female. At that point, Fastwolf’s boyfriend, Charles Begay, 31, of Red Rock, walked into the store.
He grabbed Fastwolf by the foot and said, “Let’s go.” Madrid said he told Begay to back off, at which point Madrid said he stood up and started cursing at him.
Madrid said he continued to tell Begay to step back. Madrid said he was then told by Holly to detain Begay for obstruction. Begay then walked out of the store and Madrid followed him out, telling him to turn around and place his hands behind his back.
Madrid said he grabbed Begay’s wrist and he started backing away. The two struggled and Begay stepped on Madrid’s foot, causing Madrid to fall to the ground. As he was getting up, he said Begay struck at him with his fist, knocking his glasses off.
Madrid said he then backed away as Begay swung at him again with his fist. Madrid said he then pepper sprayed him, causing Begay to start running away. Madrid said he caught up with him but Begay continued fighting.
He finally was able to subdue him and put him in handcuffs. Begay was then transported to county jail and charged with battery on a peace officer and resisting arrest.