FARMINGTON, NM – Road rage turned into a calculated assault when Tenille Quintawna Peshlakai, 33, of Farmington, intentionally rammed a motorcyclist off the road following an argument. The incident, which occurred on September 2, 2024, culminated in a guilty plea filed on July 30, 2025, in federal court.
According to court documents, the confrontation began at a gas station. After a verbal dispute, Peshlakai, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly drove away only to circle back and aggressively pursue the victim. Witnesses report she then deliberately swerved her vehicle into the path of the motorcyclist, forcing him to lay the bike down in a desperate attempt to avoid a direct collision.
The attempt failed. The victim crashed into Peshlakai’s vehicle. Instead of stopping to render aid, Peshlakai fled the scene, leaving the injured motorcyclist to await help. Law enforcement and medical personnel arrived to find the victim seriously injured, and Peshlakai nowhere to be found.
Federal prosecutors secured a guilty plea from Peshlakai on one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. This isn’t a simple traffic incident; it’s a deliberate act of violence with potentially devastating consequences. The Justice Department is making it clear that such reckless behavior will not be tolerated.
At sentencing, Tenille Quintawna Peshlakai faces a maximum of 10 years behind bars. Even after serving her time, she will be subject to up to three years of supervised release – a period where her movements will be monitored, and she will be held accountable for her actions. This plea ensures some measure of justice for the victim and sends a strong message to those who believe they can weaponize their vehicles.
The investigation was a collaborative effort led by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, with crucial support from the Navajo Police Department, Department of Criminal Investigations, and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case. The full plea agreement is available for review (Peshlakai).pdf. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office announced the guilty plea today.
Related Federal Cases
- Shiprock Driver Admits to DUI Manslaughter · New Mexico
- Ramah Man Admits to Fatal Stabbing · New Mexico
- Albuquerque Woman Admits Role in Bank Robbery Spree · New Mexico
- Albuquerque Bank Heist: Gallegos Admits Role · New Mexico
- Santa Fe Man Admits Brutal Kidnapping on Pueblo Land · New Mexico
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
