GRANTS, NM – A domestic dispute took a dangerous turn on the evening of December 16, when police were dispatched to a residence in Grants, New Mexico, in response to a shots-fired call. The incident unfolded on North Third St. and involved a man later identified as Wendall Martinez and his partner Leeanna Olguin.
Law enforcement officers with the Grants Police Department were on duty that night and responded to the call around 9:50 PM. Two officers approached the scene cautiously after regional dispatch reported that Martinez was intoxicated, and a possible altercation had occurred. As police approached the residence, they noticed a child trying open a window in distress.
As officers reached the front door, they encountered the victim, who stood at the entrance, next to Martinez who was allegedly seen holding a pistol-like firearm inside the residence. The officers immediately called for backup from the Cibola County Sheriff's Office and the New Mexico State Police, reports state this was out of fear Martinez might barricade himself.
A GPD sergeant observed the front door opening and returned to assist. Officer Speck reported that the firearm was located by a plant in the back of the room. Martinez, allegedly holding the weapon, was also standing in front of a small child.
Following orders from Sgt. Shutiva, Martinez raised his hands, allowing officers to enter the residence and place him under arrest. He was escorted to a patrol vehicle, where police quickly determined he was under the influence of alcohol.
During a search of Martinez’ person, officers discovered a phone with a leopard-print case, a wallet, and a vape. Meanwhile, the victim and her children, appeared to police as visibly shaken but unharmed, the report states. Another female witness, also present, reported difficulty breathing and was attended to by ambulance personnel.
Upon further investigation, officers determined that a spent shell casing was found near the doorway, and a bullet hole in the roof indicated gunfire had occurred. According to police reports, officers photographed the scene, recovered a Glock 22 .40 Caliber handgun, and collected the spent casing as evidence.
While canvassing the area, officers found an unfired round near the back door but were unable to locate additional casings. The victim's phone was returned to her.
Grants Fire arrived on the scene to assess the involved parties, but no one required immediate medical attention. Witnesses near the scene reported hearing a firearm go off.
An interview with the victim gave her a chance to explain to police her recollection of the incident. She mentioned receiving a call from her sister, who warned her about Martinez's behavior at a party at Pizza 9. The victim alleged that when Martinez returned home, he became increasingly aggressive, eventually pinning the victim against a pantry wall and choking her.
According to the police report, the victim was managed to send a text message to her sister, who called her. The report states this only further agitated Martinez, leading to him retrieving a gun and threatening to kill himself. The victim managed to call 911, but Martinez allegedly disconnected the call and threw the phone. The report stated that their minor child became distressed upon seeing the firearm.
When officers arrived, the victim attempted to protect her children. Martinez initially closed the bedroom door but eventually allowed officers inside. The report says he later confessed to officers at Cibola General Hospital that he had blacked out and consumed alcohol before the altercation.
Martinez was medically cleared for incarceration and transported to Cibola County Correctional Center.
Martinez has been charged with a slew of offenses: One count of Aggravated Assault (Deadly Weapon), one count of Aggravated Battery (Great Bodily Harm), Child Abuse 1st Offense – Third Degree Felony, Shooting at Dwelling or Occupied Building (No Great bodily Harm), False Imprisonment, and Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon.
Court records further show the victim has since filed for divorce with custody against Martinez.