ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty to multiple federal felonies after aiming an assault-style rifle at a minor and other witnesses during a fight that left the minor-victim hospitalized.
According to court documents, on September 21, 2025, Azariah Arnold Cleveland , 19, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drove himself and two accomplices to the minor’s home on the Navajo Nation to confront the minor. After spotting the minor walking near his home, Cleveland got out of his car with a rifle and pointed it at the minor, the minor’s parents, and other witnesses while his two accomplices assaulted the minor.
During the assault, the minor suffered a serious knee injury. Cleveland then fired seven to eight shots into the air before driving away with the other two minors. The minor was later treated at a local hospital for his injuries.
Cleveland pleaded guilty to three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count each of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. At sentencing, Cleveland faces a minimum of seven years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — New Mexico — U.S. Department of Justice press release.