ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Roy Thundercloud, 37, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, appeared in federal court in Albuquerque, New Mexico on June 15 for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint charging him with felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to the complaint, Thundercloud allegedly committed the offense on May 31. Thundercloud allegedly fired several shots out the window of his apartment near Albuquerque High School with an AK-47 rifle. Thundercloud also allegedly confronted four people in the parking lot of his apartment complex and tried to intimidate them by firing a shot into the air. Thundercloud eventually surrendered after police responded to the scene and attempted to secure the area and detain him.
Thundercloud also allegedly posted a video on Instagram showing him shooting a rifle out a bedroom window. Thundercloud also allegedly possessed ammunition for the rifle including shell casings for discharged rounds. The rifle was manufactured in Serbia. Thundercloud could not lawfully possess the rifle or ammunition based on previous felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, burglary, child abuse and aggravated driving while intoxicated.
Thundercloud is currently in custody pending a detention hearing on June 17. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison for the charged offense. A criminal complaint is only an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives Task Force and Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Mease is prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
