Suspect Charged in Fatal Navajo Police Officer Shooting

Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 9:18 PM

The criminal complaint, which was filed on March 14, 2017, charges Cleveland, 32, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation from Prewitt, N.M., with murdering a Navajo Nation tribal police officer. The criminal complaint alleges that Cleveland shot the victim officer, who was responding to a domestic violence call, on the night of March 11, 2017. The victim officer died on March 12, 2017, as the result of the gunshot injuries he sustained. If convicted on the murder charge, Cleveland faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

From the FBI:

Kirby Cleveland made his initial appearance in federal court this morning on a criminal complaint charging him with murder, announced Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney, Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division, and Director Jesse Delmar of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Cleveland remains in custody pending a preliminary hearing and a detention hearing, both of which are scheduled for March 22, 2017.

Cleveland was arrested on tribal charges on March 12, 2017, by the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, and he remained in tribal custody until March 20, 2017, when the tribal charges against him were dismissed. Immediately after the dismissal of the tribal charges, the FBI arrested Cleveland on the criminal complaint.

The Gallup and Albuquerque offices of the FBI and the Crownpoint, Shiprock and Chinle offices of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety are investigating this case, with assistance from the New Mexico State Police and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Novaline D. Wilson and Niki Tapia-Brito are prosecuting the case.

More from Local News

Durango Begins Water Restrictions

Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.
Candidates for San Juan County Sheriff Speak with KSJE

All four republican candidates for San Juan County Sheriff have sat down for an interview with KSJE General Manager Scott Michlin.
Police ID Suspect and Officers involved in Hines Rd. Shooting

Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them. During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.
2 Year Old Reunited with Father, Mother Arrested

A complex investigation began, tracking Ms. Salazar across multiple states with cooperation from several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, that concluded last week when Ms. Salazar was arrested on her warrant and the child was returned to New Mexico where he is now with Mr. West.
Candidates File to Run in the NM June 2nd Primary

These candidates have filed to run in the New Mexico Primary on June 2, 2026. We are only listing candidates in CONTESTED races.
Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.