ALBUQUERQUE — A Gallup man pleaded guilty in federal court to assault with a dangerous weapon following a shooting incident on the Navajo Nation reservation sparked by barking dogs.
According to the criminal complaint, on May 11, three individuals were walking their dogs in Gallup when Harley Davidson Joe, 38, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drove past them in a truck. The dogs allegedly began barking at the truck but did not go toward the vehicle. Joe reportedly stopped and exited the vehicle and confronted the group about their dogs’ barking.
An argument ensued, during which Joe reportedly brandished a handgun. One victim saw Joe firing shots toward him and returned fire in self-defense, firing approximately 10 rounds until his firearm was empty. Joe then reportedly got back in his truck and drove away. The three individuals then 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 toward two males who ran toward him.
Joe will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Joe faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Joe will be subject to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement on Nov. 6.
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 U.S. Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.
