FOR ARMED ASSAULT ON TRIBAL, FEDERAL OFFICERS

ALBUQUERQUE – Jarod Martin, 36, a member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Crownpoint, N.M., was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 183 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for his conviction on assault and firearms charges.  Martin’s crimes of conviction arose out of his March 2, 2015, assault against two Navajo Nation tribal police officers, one of whom was commissioned as a special federal officer by the BIA, during which Martin fired shots at one of the officers and later brandished his firearm at both officers.

Martin’s sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division, and Director Jesse Delmar of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety.

Martin was arrested on March 10, 2015, on a criminal complaint alleging that he assaulted a federal officer and a tribal police officer.  Martin was subsequently indicted and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a federal officer, being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and two counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.  At the time of his arrest, Martin was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted of a felony offense.

According to court filings, Martin assaulted two officers of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, including one who was a federal officer because he held a Special Law Enforcement Commission from the BIA.  Martin committed the crimes on March 2, 2015, on the Navajo Indian Reservation in McKinley County, N.M.  Martin assaulted the tribal police officer by shooting at the officer as the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Martin’s vehicle.

After a vehicle pursuit that ended when Martin’s vehicle got stuck on the side of the road, Martin continued his flight on foot.  Two tribal police officers, including one who was federally commissioned, were able to track Martin to a ravine where he pointed a firearm at the officers as they attempted to apprehend him.  Martin was arrested after one of the officers shot Martin in the foot.

On Dec. 15, 2015, Martin pled guilty to assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

This case was investigated by the Gallup office of the FBI and the Crownpoint office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquel Ruiz-Velez prosecuted the case under a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution.

Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior criminal convictions for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.

Because New Mexico’s violent crime rate, on a per capita basis, is one of the highest in the nation, New Mexico’s law enforcement community is collaborating to target repeat offenders from counties with the highest violent crime rates, including McKinley County, N.M., under this initiative.

A woman was arrested Sept. 21 after she reportedly confessed to police that she stabbed 22-year-old Kendrick Chee Smith, which resulted in his death.

Capt. Marinda Spencer, public information officer with the Gallup Police Department, said Brandie Allen, 24, was booked for one open count of murder, tampering with evidence, and aggravated assault.

She’s being held at the McKinley County Adult Detention Center on a $25,000 cash-only bond.

The stabbing occurred at about 5:30 pm Sept.19 when two Native American men ambushed two brothers that were drinking “four Loko” behind Sundance Dental, 1601 S. Second St.

According to the victim’s brother, Brandon Smith, 27, prior to the altercation they were visiting with a woman who told them that her name was “Cindy.”

As they chatted with Cindy, now revealed as Allen, two men jumped out from behind bushes and started fighting with the brothers.

Brandon said that the woman stabbed his brother as the two men held him back.

Spencer said that Kendrick died of stab wounds, and his body was transported to Albuquerque for an autopsy.

“We are still gathering facts and interviewing witnesses,” Spencer said.

As of press time, Spencer did not clarify whether the two men were connected to the attack.

The two men are described as Native American, standing between 5’7” to 5’9” tall. Both are thin and have shaved heads. One of the men donned a white tank top and the other a grey shirt. One of the men was wearing eyeglasses with duct tape wrapped around the frame.

Second Street is frequented by street people, homeless folks, and those under the influence of various substances — and it’s not without its share of unfortunate happenings.

About two months ago, the body of a Native American man was found dead not far from the scene of the recent stabbing.

By Bernie Dotson

Sun Correspondent

The City of Gallup has announced six facilities that will remain closed throughout the summer months.

The following facilities will remain closed through September 30.

El Morro Theatre and Events Center

Aquatic Center

Cecil Garcia Fitness Center

Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center

Harold Runnels Athletic Complex

Rex Museum

All events or scheduled meetings at these facilities are effectively canceled and staff will work through the remainder of June to issue refunds or reschedule programs.

Three other facilities will offer limited service to the public.

They include:

Octavia Fellin Putlic Library and Children’s library

Gallup Senior Center

Red Rock Park

The staff at the library is working on safety measures in order to reopen for more services.

The Gallup Senior Center will continue to offer curb-side and meal delivery, but will remain closed until the Governor’s Public Health Order is lifted.

The Red Rock Park Campground will continue to operate at 50% and the trailheads will open.

The Convention Center and Arena will remain closed.

Another update about reopening will be released in September.

The City of Gallup has announced six facilities that will remain closed throughout the summer months.

The following facilities will remain closed through September 30.

El Morro Theatre and Events Center

Aquatic Center

Cecil Garcia Fitness Center

Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center

Harold Runnels Athletic Complex

Rex Museum

All events or scheduled meetings at these facilities are effectively canceled and staff will work through the remainder of June to issue refunds or reschedule programs.

Three other facilities will offer limited service to the public.

They include:

Octavia Fellin Public Library and Children’s Library

Gallup Senior Center

Red Rock Park

The staff at the library is working on safety measures in order to reopen for more services.

The Gallup Senior Center will continue to offer curb-side and meal delivery, but will remain closed until the Governor’s Public Health Order is lifted.

The Red Rock Park Campground will continue to operate at 50% and the trail heads will open.

The Convention Center and Arena will remain closed.

Another update about reopening will be released in September.