New Mexico
Man accused of shooting at police in To’Hajiilee facing federal charges
TO’HAJIILEE, N.M. – A man is facing federal charges after allegedly shooting at two Navajo Nation police officers with a rifle in To’Hajiilee.
The incident occurred on March 6, when officers responded to reports of gunfire near a residence on Sunset Lane. The suspect, Russell Secatero, is accused of shooting two officers identified as John Doe and Jane Doe.
According to an arrest affidavit, Secatero fired at the officers from inside a closet at a Navajo Nation Housing Authority residence, where he had been hiding. Officer John Doe returned fire, hitting Secatero. Both officers and Secatero were treated at the University of New Mexico Hospital.
“There’s gonna be lives taken today,” Secatero reportedly said before the shooting. Officer John Doe was shot in the arm and back, while Officer Jane Doe was injured by shrapnel when her firearm was hit.
FBI agents say they found two rifles and .22 shell casings in the closet.