Gallup Police located and arrested a Yatahey man, Jason Frank, 43, for allegedly attacking a man and taking several of his belongings.
Around 6:15 pm on June 18, Officers Patrick Largo and Francesica Henry were dispatched to Safeway at 900 U.S. Hwy. 491 in reference to a weapons call. Largo searched on the east side of the Heritage Plaza and was advised by a nearby security officer when he was waved down by the alleged victim.
The male stated the suspect, Frank, was walking nearby and approached him. Frank had reportedly asked the victim for a lighter, and he soon pulled an “exacto knife” and began to threaten him, demanding his phone. The incident occurred across the street from Safeway.
As Largo spoke to the victim, he then pointed out a male walking southbound that matched the suspect’s description and identified him as Frank. Largo also identified Frank from “previous professional encounters” and called out to him and told him to stop. However, the suspect kept walking away. Due to the nature of the call, Largo deployed his police-issued taser and again told Frank to stop until he did.
Frank denied any wrongdoing and stated he had been attacked instead. Henry arrived and conducted a pat search while Frank continued to deny his involvement. He was then placed into Henry’s unit as the officers continued the investigation.
The victim spoke to Largo again, this time carrying a blue bag that Frank reportedly took from him during the altercation. The victim sustained a minor knee injury while fleeing the attack and stayed in the vicinity until he waved down Largo.
Officer Kyle Delgai arrived at the scene and retrieved a second bag that Frank had been carrying at the scene. Inside were the lighters, a cellphone, and a pair of Dykes Cutting Pliers that the victim identified as the incident weapon. Largo returned the phone to him after verifying it was his and collected the rest of the items as evidence.
Frank refused to cooperate and become disorderly. Based on the investigation, Largo determined Frank was the aggressor and placed him under arrest. He was transported to Gallup McKinley County Detention Center and booked for armed robbery, aggravated assault, and larceny. His preliminary examination was set for July 3.
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