A man from Shiprock, New Mexico, has been charged with multiple federal offenses 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 home of a minor. The group reportedly confronted the minor as he was walking along the road. After exiting his vehicle, Cleveland is accused of pointing his rifle at the minor, the minor’s parents, and other bystanders before firing seven to eight shots into the air. The incident left the minor with injuries requiring treatment at a local hospital.
Cleveland faces charges including 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. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. A trial date has not yet been set.
“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 case is being investigated 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.”
