Deon Joe Bidtah, Assault and Federal Firearms Offense, New Mexico 2022

A man from Shiprock, New Mexico, has pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault on a federal officer with a deadly and dangerous weapon.

Deon Joe Bidtah, 24, was indicted on three counts of these charges after a shooting incident on October 11, 2022, near his residence in Shiprock.

According to court records, Bidtah approached a vehicle near his residence and fired two rounds from a 12-gauge shotgun into the vehicle, striking and injuring the driver, Jane Doe. Three of Jane Doe’s family members were in the vehicle at the time.

Jane Doe suffered great bodily harm and was taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Navajo Nation police officers responded to the incident location, including one officer who, by virtue of a special law enforcement commission, is considered a federal officer. Bidtah approached the officers carrying the 12-gauge shotgun and fired toward the officers.

Officers took cover behind their patrol units and commanded Bidtah to stop and drop his weapon, but he ignored the commands, reloaded the shotgun, and continued to walk toward the officers. In response, officers fired two rounds at Bidtah. Bidtah was struck and was later transported to Northern Navajo Medical Center for treatment.

Bidtah faces at least ten years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release at sentencing.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case.

Bidtah will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/shiprock-man-pleads-guilty-assault-and-federal-firearms-offense