Harrington Alonzo, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, New Mexico 2024

ALBUQUERQUE – A harrowing confrontation in Indian Country has landed 34-year-old Harrington Alonzo of Pine Hill, N.M., in federal court. Today, the defendant was arraigned on serious charges stemming from an incident that unfolded within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation.

According to a criminal complaint, Alonzo’s trouble began with a drunken argument at home. His girlfriend, unable to bear the situation any longer, dialed 911 for police intervention. That move proved to be a fateful decision as Alonzo responded by pulling a handgun and opening fire on an officer who had arrived to quell the disturbance.

The officer returned fire, but fortunately, no one was injured in the exchange. The bullet-ridden street served as a stark reminder of the gravity of Alonzo’s actions. It was later revealed that the defendant is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation himself.

Alonzo now faces up to 10 years in prison for the assault charge, with an additional sentence ranging from 10 years to life if convicted of the firearm offense. The charges against him are only accusations at this stage, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. As it stands, Alonzo remains in custody pending his trial.

The FBI’s Gallup office spearheaded the investigation into this case, with invaluable assistance from the Ramah Navajo Police Department and the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson is leading the prosecution.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise in Indian Country and underscores the importance of law enforcement’s efforts to maintain order and safety on these sovereign lands.

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