ALBUQUERQUE, NM – In a significant conclusion to a violent confrontation that occurred in 2020, Robert Benjamin Nelson, 31, from Scottsdale, Arizona, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. The sentence, announced on October 11 by United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda, follows Nelson's guilty plea to charges of attempted murder of a federal task force officer and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
This case reached its resolution after a mistrial earlier this year, stemming from a hung jury on January 17, 2023. Nelson entered his guilty plea on March 22, 2023, circumventing the need for a retrial. Sentencing was finally held on October 11.
“Today, bravery prevailed over cowardice and truth over irrational hate,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “Federal law enforcement officers work every day to make our lives safer. When their lives are put at risk by someone who trained himself to fear police through fantastical internet videos, we will serve decisive justice to protect our protectors. My thanks to our team of prosecutors and federal law enforcement agents who investigated this case, and to the victim whose bravery, professionalism, and calm while under fire made this result possible.”
The incident unfolded on September 12, 2020, when New Mexico State Police Officer Sharron Duran, working as a Task Force Officer with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, initiated a traffic stop on Nelson’s GMC pickup for tailgating another vehicle along Interstate 40 near Laguna Pueblo. As Officer Duran approached the vehicle, Nelson fired a .22 caliber revolver three times through the passenger window, shattering the glass and striking Officer Duran in the face and hands, causing serious and permanent injuries.
Despite her wounds, Officer Duran managed to return fire as Nelson fled the scene. Demonstrating remarkable tenacity, she pursued Nelson along the interstate. After a short chase, Officer Duran observed Nelson retrieving a rifle from his vehicle. She maintained her position and awaited backup. Officers from the Laguna Pueblo Police Department arrived shortly thereafter, assisting in the arrest of Nelson without further incident.
'Today, bravery prevailed over cowardice and truth over irrational hate,' stated U.S. Attorney Uballez in the wake of the sentencing. He commended the courage and professionalism of Officer Duran, whose actions in the line of fire were instrumental in bringing about this outcome.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Bujanda condemned the shooting as a 'violent act, absolutely without justification,' emphasizing that attacks on federal officers are severe federal crimes that carry heavy consequences.
Nelson's prison term will be followed by four years of supervised release, ensuring continued oversight after he has served his sentence.
The investigation, led by the FBI Albuquerque Field Office in conjunction with the New Mexico State Police and the Albuquerque Multiagency Officer Involved Shooting Team, has been a testament to the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Mysliwiec and Nicholas Mote were credited with prosecuting the case.
The Cibola Citizen has closely followed the developments of this case since its inception. Today, as Nelson faces a lengthy prison sentence, the story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face and the justice system's role in addressing such perilous incidents. Officer Duran, now promoted to Sergeant, continues to serve with the fortitude characteristic of her actions on that fateful day.