Press Release
MAN FROM PINE HILL, N.M. CHARGED WITH ASSAULT
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE – Harrington Alonzo, 34, of Pine Hill, N.M., was arraigned in federal court today on an indictment charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country and carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to a criminal complaint, Alonzo committed these offenses on April 24, 2019, within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation. Alonzo became drunk and argued with his girlfriend. She called the police to respond to their home. When they arrived, Alonzo pulled a handgun and fired several shots at an officer. The officer returned fire, but no one was hit or otherwise injured in the exchange of bullets. Alonzo is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
The charges in an indictment and criminal complaint are only accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Alonzo is currently in custody pending trial. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the assault charge and a consecutive sentence of from 10 years to life in prison if convicted of the firearm offense.
The Gallup office of the FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Ramah Navajo Police Department and the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson is prosecuting the case.
Updated May 30, 2019
Topic
Indian Country Law and Justice