Vanderwagen Gunman Sentenced for Assault

ALBUQUERQUE – The streets of Vanderwagen witnessed a chilling act of violence when Perris Jeremiah Arthur, 36, was sentenced to 85 months in federal prison for an armed assault. The sentence carries no parole under the strict federal system.

According to court documents, on May 1, 2023, Arthur confronted his victim at a residence within the Navajo Nation, escalating to a physical confrontation. In a moment of terrifying escalation, Arthur retrieved a .22 caliber rifle from his ATV, unleashing two rounds into the residence and pointing the weapon directly at the victim in a chilling threat to cause serious harm. Miraculously, the victim escaped injury.

Arthur pleaded guilty to charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Following his release from prison, Arthur will face an additional three years of supervised release.

The grim announcement was made today by Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office. The investigation into this case was led by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, with significant assistance from both the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and the Department of Criminal Investigations.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is the prosecutor handling this case, ensuring that justice is served for the victim in this heinous act of violence.