GRANTS, N.M. – A local man is in custody
after an alleged spree of serious crimes in the City of Grants. On August 4, an unnamed female and local man Andrew Gurule “met up” in Mt. Taylor Addition, a subdivision of the city in the outskirts.
According to the victim’s statement in the Grants Police Department Case Records, Gurule went in her car and pointed a handgun at her, threatening to harm her, her children, and her family if she did not comply with his directions.
She was then taken to an RV style trailer and sexually assaulted five to six times through August 4 to the 5.
On August 5, according to the case report, a witness saw Gurule and the victim having a discussion near a single wide trailer on Balsam Street. Though unable to hear what they were saying, the witness explained that the woman seemed to be upset. The witness told police that he witnessed Gurule hit the victim, and she fell to the ground, curled up and didn’t move.
Reportedly, the male then walked to the front door of the trailer. That witness could no longer see the two.
At some point, another female, Fawne Grauerholtz got involved. A witness told police that Gurule had taken the victim’s keys, likely using force. According to the victim, Grauerholtz attempted to take back the victim’s keys.
Another witness explained to police that a red vehicle was trying to back out of the driveway, and the lady behind tried to stop them. She went to the driver side of the vehicle and she and the person inside argued. The vehicle then drove away, leaving the lady on the ground.
An anonymous reporting party called police and informed them a female had been struck by a vehicle. Units and Fire responded and located the female in the street.
After investigating the scene, first responders was determined that the person struck by the vehicle was the same person who was hit by the male.
An officer spoke with someone who stated that Fawne Grauerholz was the person operating the vehicle that reportedly struck the victim.
The victim was transported to Cibola General Hospital by the Fire Department.
Further information obtained from the victim is that she believes Grauerholz is also a victim of Andrew Gurule.
A warrant was from the Grants Police Department for Andrew Gurule for criminal sexual penetration in the first degree, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and aggravated battery against a household member.
A community-wide manhunt had begun for his capture.
On August 14, the police conducted a traffic stop on a car driven by the suspect Grauerholz did not stop and continued, failing to stay in her lane. Attempting to evade the police by driving off the roadway and through the arroyo, railroad right of way, and eventually almost colliding with a GPD patrol car during the low-speed chase, the officers were able to see that Andrew Gurule was the passenger.
With the assistance of the Milan Police Department and Cibola County Sheriff’s Office, the Grants Police Department was able to apprehend Gurule and Grauerholz.
Fawne Graurholz was charged with aggravated fleeing, harboring a felon, driving under the influence of drugs, and resisting, evading, and obstructing an officer.
Andrew Gurule was arrested on his active warrants.