Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ALBUQUERQUE – A Gallup man was charged by criminal complaint in connection with a shooting incident that occurred during a confrontation over barking dogs.
Harley Davidson Joe, 38, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and was released pending trial.
According to the criminal complaint, on May 11, 2024, three individuals were walking their dogs in Gallup when Joe drove past them in a truck. The dogs began barking at the truck but did not go towards the vehicle. Joe stopped and exited the vehicle and confronted the group about their dogs barking.
An argument ensued, during which Joe brandished a handgun. John Doe 1 saw Joe firing shots towards him and returned fire in self-defense, firing approximately ten rounds until his firearm was empty. Joe then entered his truck and drove away. John Doe 1, and the two other individuals ran back to their residence.
Joe later called for an ambulance, claiming he had been shot by an unknown person. Medical personnel found Joe at a residence in Gallup and determined that he had suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was transported to the Gallup Indian Medical Center where he was treated.
At Joe‘s residence, investigators found his green Dodge pickup with blood inside and a Glock 17 handgun, which Joe initially denied possessing. However, he later told agents that he retrieved the firearm from under the driver’s seat after he had been shot and fired approximately five rounds towards two males who ran towards him.
If convicted of the current charges, Joe faces not less than ten years up to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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