Three arrested in armed robbery

By Brian Hassler
Staff Writer

SHIPROCK — Stopping at a Farmington video store proved costly for Justin Benally, Leanord Mason and Shane Mason last Thursday as all three were arrested for their parts in connection with a robbery.

At 8:33 p.m. on Thursday Farmington police responded to the Animas Valley Mall after it was reported that two women had been walking in the parking lot when they were approached by two adult males.

One of the suspects threatened one of the women with a knife before taking her purse, and both got into a white, full-sized Ford truck and left the area.

But as police searched the area for the vehicle, it was found at Hastings in Farmington at 9:46 p.m.

"They were changing the tire on the truck at Hastings when one of our officers saw the truck and saw that it matched the description provided by the two women," said Lt. Dan Calkin, of the Farmington Police Department.

After searching the truck, officers found the knife and the purse and took Justin Benally, 18, of Farmington, Leanord Mason, 21, and Shane Mason, 20, both of Fruitland, into custody.

"The officer recognized the rear window, since we were told it was broken," said Calkin. "Basically, two of the men confronted the women and took the purse while the third one was waiting in the truck with the engine running."

All three men were transported to the Farmington Police Department for interviews. The knife and the purse were admitted as evidence.

"The information that the officers received from these three men was enough to lead to them being arrested and charged for their roles in the robbery," said Calkin.

Calkin added that neither the women robbed or the three accused were injured and that the only witnesses that police had spoken to concerning the robbery were the two women.

Recently, Shane Mason was arrested on Oct. 10 for aggravated DWI, destruction of property and the illegal selling or giving of alcohol to minors. That arrest occurred after a March 18, 2004 arrest for driving under the influence and the possession and consumption of an open beverage container in public.

— Brian Hassler is The Independent's Four Corners reporter based in Shiprock. Contact him at (505) 360-7862 or via email at brianhassler@hotmail.com