Man faces multiple charges
By Brian Hassler-Staff Writer

FARMINGTON — Police originally wanted to talk with Leandrew Allen, 19, of Farmington, to gain information about a stabbing he possibly witnessed, but it was his prior record that had Farmington police officers looking for Allen early Monday morning.

But instead of answering questions, Allen allegedly attempted to run over a police officer with his car, forcing the officer to jump out of the way and resulting in a high speed chase through Farmington.

Officers had arrived at the Sage North Motel in Farmington to investigate a possible stabbing and to interview Allen about his involvement or knowledge concerning the stabbing.

"He (Allen) was not a suspect in the stabbing, but when the officer tried to track him down, the officer saw that Allen had warrants out for his arrest and began to locate Allen's vehicle," said Lt. Dan Calkins, of the Farmington Police Department.

As officers searched for the 19-year-old Native American in the parking lot of the motel, Allen began to drive his white T-bird out of the parking lot and drove directly towards a police officer.

"We were looking for that car, as it fit the description we had, and he drove right at our officer, and the officer had to jump out of the path of the car," said Calkins. "Two other officers gave chase, and it turned into a pursuit."

Heading south, Allen eventually made it to N.M. 371 and while on 371, continued to evade police at speeds up to 95 mph. The vehicle coming to a stop at mile marker 105, and Allen crawled out of the car and began to run away.

"Allen crawled over a passenger that was in the car and exited," said Calkins. "While this was happening, the car rolled back into the Farmington police car that was behind it, causing damage to the push bar on the police unit."

Officers again gave chase and were able to detain Allen as well as the other passenger in the vehicle, identified as Elvan Black, 21. Black wasn't charged, though Allen will be facing charges of aggravated assault on a police officer with a deadly weapon, aggravated fleeing of a police officer, a third DWI offense, speeding 20 miles per hour over the speed limit, other traffic violations and the previous warrants that were out for his arrest.

"There were no weapons in Mr. Allen's possession when he was arrested, and alcohol was a factor in what happened," said Calkins. "He was definitely inebriated."

Those previous charges include three warrants for the Farmington District Court for probation violations. In March of 2005, Allen pleaded guilty for aggravated fleeing of a police officer, battery of a police officer and of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.