Shiprock Man Charged with Assaulting Victim with Post Hole Digger

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man has been charged in connection with an alleged assault that left the victim seriously injured.

According to court documents, on August 29, 2026, Tyron Begay, 20, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted the victim with a post hole digger following a day of consuming alcohol. As a result of the assault, the victim sustained multiple bruised and a large laceration to his head which required 11 stitches.

Begay is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, Begay faces up to 10 years in prison. 

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case. 

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.