GRANTS, N.M. – A Ramah man has pleaded guilty in federal court to firing multiple rifle shots into a vehicle occupied by three people after a near-collision on the Ramah Navajo Reservation in Cibola County.
According to court documents, on March 18, 2025, a vehicle driven by John Doe swerved to avoid a collision with a blue Jeep driven by Leon Garcia, 42, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
After the near-miss, John Doe followed Garcia to a residence on the Ramah Navajo Reservation.
When the vehicles stopped, Garcia exited his Jeep with a rifle, then brandished and pointed the firearm at John Doe, Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2. Garcia fired multiple shots into the vehicle with intent to do bodily harm, continuing to shoot as the victims attempted to turn around and again as they drove away.
Garcia pleaded guilty to three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. At sentencing, he faces not less than seven years and up to life in prison. Upon release, he will be subject to five years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced the plea agreement on Nov. 20.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the Ramah-Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.