In Albuquerque, New Mexico, a significant legal proceeding has unfolded as Arthur Chee Pat, a 68-year-old resident of Bread Springs and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was charged with severe crimes including assault with a dangerous weapon and using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, alongside Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement following Pat’s appearance in federal court.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on January 22, 2024, when Pat reportedly intervened in a disturbance outside a neighboring residence. According to the criminal complaint, after hearing yelling from his home, Pat armed himself and confronted the group, which included his son. The situation escalated rapidly, resulting in Pat firing multiple shots, injuring one man, identified only as John Doe, in the knee. Pat and his son then left the scene, with law enforcement detaining Pat at his home shortly afterward. The firearm used in the incident was found in Pat’s vehicle.