Shiprock Man Charged with Assault and Assaulting Federal Officers

ALBUQUERQUE - A Shiprock man is facing federal charges after he allegedly strangled a victim during two separate incidents, then threatened and injured officers following his arrest.

According to court documents, on July 18, 2026, Lonnie Begaye, 41, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly assaulted Jane Doe at a residence in Shiprock, New Mexico. During an argument, Begaye allegedly strangled the victim, making it difficult for her to breathe. The victim's mother, who uses a wheelchair, reportedly attempted to intervene before police arrived and took Begaye into custody.

The investigation further revealed that this was not an isolated incident. During interviews with investigators, the victim reported that on or about May 19, 2026, Begaye allegedly attacked her near an irrigation canal in Shiprock. She stated that Begaye strangled her with both hands, causing her to nearly lose consciousness. The victim reported suffering dizziness, soreness, and other effects after the assault and believed Begaye intended to kill her.

After his arrest on July 18, Begaye allegedly resisted officers, threatened one officer's family, spit blood onto an officer's face, and injured a second officer during a struggle. Both officers sought medical treatment for their injuries.

During a post-arrest interview with investigators, Begaye allegedly stated that he blacked out from alcohol and could not remember the July 18 incident. However, he admitted to previously strangling the victim.

Begaye is charged with two counts of assault by strangulation and assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, Begaye faces up to 10 years in prison.

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

The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliot Neal 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.