A man from Shiprock, New Mexico, has been charged with federal crimes after allegedly pointing an assault-style rifle at a minor and several witnesses during a confrontation that resulted in the minor being hospitalized.
Court documents state that on September 21, 2025, Azariah Arnold Cleveland, 18, who is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drove himself and several others to the minor’s residence to confront him. When they saw the minor walking along the road, Cleveland's passengers exited the vehicle and assaulted him. During this altercation, Cleveland left his car and aimed his assault-style rifle at the minor, as well as at the minor’s parents and other bystanders. He then fired seven to eight shots into the air. The injured minor was treated at a local hospital.
Cleveland faces charges of assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. No trial date has been set. If convicted, Cleveland faces a minimum sentence of ten years in prison.
“Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.”
The investigation was conducted by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with support from both the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting.
“A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
