STOLEN VEHICLE
Thoreau, July 19
A guest borrowing a vehicle without asking, led to a Thoreau man reporting it as stolen.
McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Jonathan Todachine was dispatched to a residence on First Avenue, where the victim had called in stating they wanted to report a stolen vehicle.
The vehicle had been purchased from an auction in California, and the main suspect was identified as Lori Baca, no information available. The victim reportedly met Baca at Route 66 Casino in early July and offered to let her stay with him, an offer which she accepted.
The victim was out on a truck-driving job on July 3. That was when Baca apparently took the vehicle and kept it overnight. It was the victim’s roommate who discovered it missing. Despite repeatedly telling them both she would return the vehicle. She had not done so as of July 19.
The vehicle, a 2006 Honda, was registered as stolen. No other information is available.
WINDOW BREAKER
Gamerco, July 19
An early morning fight outside a residence on Chino Loop resulted in broken windows and missing items.
McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Franklin Begaye arrived at the residence and spoke with the caller. She told him the suspect, Tandreka Anderson, 31, of Gamerco, had walked into the house and accused the caller of stealing something. Then Anderson reportedly said that the caller owed her $20.
Anderson took the caller’s cell phone and left the residence, but was followed by the caller. Anderson eventually threw a beer bottle at the residence and then threw rocks to break one of the bedroom windows.
Deputy Harland Soseeah arrived and traveled to the house at Chino Loop to confirm the caller’s account. The caller said she had wanted to get money back from “Joe,” but he was not at the residence.
The caller was asked about Joe’s whereabouts, but she said he had left earlier and she did not know where he was. No other information was available. Anderson was charged with criminal damage to property.
BUSTED (AGAIN) FOR METH
Gallup, July 16
A Yatahey man was already under arrest, but he ended up in more hot water when narcotics were found on him inside the jail.
McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Ivan Tsethlikai was dispatched to the Adult Detention Center after staff located the narcotics. A correctional officer was moving Jimmie White, 49, from his holding cell to a Magistrate Court video hearing when White dropped a small clear bag containing a small glassy substance later identified as crystal methamphetamine from his orange jail suit pocket.
When the hearing concluded, the officer returned White to his cell. That’s when he found another small clear bag with two pills inside. They were later identified as Oxycodone Hydrochloride.
White was booked for a bench warrant. Bringing contraband into jail was added to the charges against him. White was released on his own recognizance, however he is still in custody on a $10,000 cash or surety bond.
ASSAULT WITH A KNIFE
Gamerco, July 15
McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Salazar was patrolling near the area of Cascade Street in the morning when he saw William Schumaker, 30, of Jamestown, N.M., working on a vehicle in front of a residence. Salazar knew he had several warrants out for his arrest and drove toward him.
After telling Schumaker to stay put while he advised Metro Dispatch, Salazar saw him flee through the backyard and he ran after him. The report states Salazar yelled for him to stop multiple times, but his commands were ignored. The chase went to a residence on Draco Street, where Schumaker tried to barricade himself inside. Salazar reached the door and was able to pepper spray Schumaker and enter the house.
Salazar saw Schumaker was holding a pocket knife, so he tased him. He was able to place handcuffs on Schumaker and detain him until another officer arrived. He washed Schumaker’s eyes out with water while he waited for an ambulance to treat him.
Schumaker was cleared by Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services and released to Salazar, who took him to the McKinley County Adult Detention Center, where he was booked for aggravated assault and resisting arrest.
Schumaker posted a $2,000 bond.
SUPERMAN CANYON CHASE
Gallup, June 24, 2020
McKinley County Sheriff’s Sgt. Tammy Houghtaling joined a chase in progress late at night near Superman Canyon Road. Deputy Terence Willie was pursuing a vehicle toward Red Hills Trailer Park, where Houghtaling met them. The vehicle drove on Rimrock Drive to Alto Place, and then back to Rimrock.
The vehicle crashed, but continued on to Hazel Drive, eventually stopping at the intersection of Hazel and Dairy Avenue. A driver, identified as Taylor Etsitty, 26, and an unidentified passenger exited the vehicle and fled the scene. The passenger ran toward Jay Street, while Houghtaling followed Etsitty to the porch of a house.
Etsitty said the residence was his aunt’s and he fled the scene because he was scared. He was placed under arrest for evading or resisting an officer and was transported to McKinley County Adult Detention Center and booked.