GRANTS, NM – A dramatic situation unfolded in Grants, NM, on July 20, 2023, when law enforcement responded to a removal of persons call for service. Police were dispatched to 1409 Estancia Ave. after receiving reports of a male refusing to leave a residence and allegedly threatening to set the house on fire, and arrested Delhoyo for the Attempt to Commit a Felony (Arson).
The suspect, identified as David Delhoyo, had allegedly poured gasoline near the front door and on a vehicle in the driveway, prompting fears of arson. The victim told Cibola County Regional Dispatch that gasoline had even splashed on them. Law enforcement officers arrived to find the gasoline spread across the front yard, creating a hazardous situation.
According to statements from witnesses at the scene, the incident stemmed from a dispute over a missing item that Delhoyo believed was in possession of someone at the residence. Despite efforts to mediate the situation, the confrontation escalated to a dangerous level. According to the police report, Delhoyo had tried lighting an object on fire but was unsuccessful while the victim were on the phone with dispatch.
Sergeant Benjamin Thorne, along with other Grants officers, promptly intervened and arrested Delhoyo due to the severity of the incident. With caution and precision, the officers approached Delhoyo and issued verbal commands for him to surrender peacefully. After a brief standoff, during which Delhoyo exhibited signs of agitation, and attempted to ignite a flammable object, the officers successfully subdued him without resorting to the use of force.
While speaking with officers, Delhoyo admitted that his actions were inappropriate and stated that he thought resorting to such measures would help recover the missing item, later revealed to be a weed eater.
The case has been transferred to the 13th Judicial District Court after a $5,000 secured bond was set for Delhoyo at the Cibola County Magistrate Court.
In the aftermath of the incident, law enforcement officers advised the residents to pursue a restraining order against the individual involved in the dispute. They also collected Delhoyo's belongings from the residence to prevent any further confrontations.
Delhoyo was subsequently booked at the police department and later incarcerated at Core Civic Detention Center and booked for Attempt to Commit a Felony (Arson).
All people are considered innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.