TO’HAJIILEE, N.M. – A To’Hajiilee man is facing federal charges after authorities say two Navajo Nation Police Department officers were wounded during a March 6 law enforcement response to reports of gunfire near a residence in To’Hajiilee, New Mexico.
According to court records and a criminal complaint filed in federal court, Russell Secatero, 29, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Federal authorities allege that officers responded to reports of gunfire near a home in To’Hajiilee, located about an hour west of Albuquerque, on March 6, 2026. Court documents state that during the response, an officer discovered someone hiding inside a locked storage or closet area attached to the residence and repeatedly ordered the person to come out with empty hands.
According to the complaint, there was no response at first. When an officer attempted to force the door open, he reportedly heard movement inside and drew his weapon. Investigators allege that Secatero then shouted, “There’s innocent life in here,” and later said, “There’s going to be lives taken today.”
Moments later, according to court records, the barrel of a rifle came through the opening and gunfire erupted.
Authorities allege Officer John Doe was struck in the arm and back. Officer Jane Doe was also injured when a round hit her firearm and shrapnel struck her arm.
According to the complaint, Officer John Doe returned fire, wounding Secatero in the face, groin and leg. Secatero and both officers were later transported to a hospital for treatment.
Investigators reported recovering two AR-style rifles and shell casings from the attached closet area where Secatero was found.
Secatero remains in federal custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted on the current charges, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced the charges.
As of publication, the Navajo Nation Police Department had not responded to a request for an update on the officers’ conditions.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.