GRANTS, NM - In a tense confrontation at 417 Jensen Street, a domestic dispute escalated into violence, resulting in the arrest of a woman, Irena Joe, on charges of assault. The incident, which unfolded on the morning of July 10, 2023, drew the attention of law enforcement officers responding to reports of a male assaulting a female.
Grants Police Department, arrived at the scene after being dispatched by Cibola Regional Communications. Upon arrival, a GPD sergeant encountered a distressed man who identified as Tuco Joe, who alleged that his sister had punched him in the face during a heated argument. Evidence of the altercation became apparent as T. Joe displayed his broken glasses, he claimed were damaged during the assault.
GPD turned their attention to the accused, Irina Joe. A GPD sergeant approached the parked vehicle where I. Joe was located, instructing her to exit and join him at the rear of the vehicle.
GPD spoke with I. Joe, learning that she was arguing with her unnamed boyfriend prior to the alleged fight with her brother. She told GPD that her brother inserted himself in the couple’s argument, which caused the argument to escalate.
According to I. Joe's statement, her brother confronted her, leading to a physical altercation during which she pushed and struck T. Joe in the face, causing damage to his glasses. With both sides presenting their versions of the incident, law enforcement officials sought additional testimony.
Another sergeant arrived at the scene, and was able to corroborate elements of I. Joe's statement. According to police reports, I. Joe had arrived at the residence and initiated a disturbance with her boyfriend. In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, her brother intervened, triggering a physical confrontation that resulted in T. Joe being struck in the face with a closed fist. Injuries sustained by Tuco were visible on his nose, indicating a laceration.
Based on the available evidence, it became apparent to police that I. Joe had caused physical harm to her brother, resulting in both a laceration to his nose and damage to his glasses. She was taken into custody without further incident and charged with assault. She was subsequently transported to Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, N.M.
The Grants Police Department continues to investigate this domestic incident. All suspects are innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.