An Albuquerque man, Jason Baca, 36, has been charged with several federal firearms offenses following an incident in which he allegedly pointed a handgun at Bernalillo County Sheriff’s deputies during a traffic stop on November 12, 2025.
Court documents state that deputies from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle in Albuquerque due to an invalid registration. During the stop, they found that the driver’s license was revoked and identified Baca as having an outstanding felony warrant. As deputies attempted to arrest him, three of whom were federally deputized U.S. Marshals Service task force officers, they noticed a concealed handgun on Baca.
Baca reportedly resisted arrest and fled on foot. He then pointed the firearm at deputies, leading them to discharge their weapons. Baca was shot, taken into custody, and transported for medical treatment. Authorities recovered a loaded pistol near him.
As someone previously convicted of a felony, Baca is not legally allowed to possess firearms or ammunition. A search of the vehicle also led officers to find a backpack containing fentanyl pills and over 25 grams of fentanyl powder.
Baca is facing charges including being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, assault on a federal officer, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He will remain in custody until his trial date is set. If convicted on all charges, he could face up to life imprisonment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison said: "A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law." The announcement was made by Ellison along with Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with support from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler is prosecuting.
